Analysis Paper-Diverse Cultures

Diverse Cultures

Healthcare providers and those who work with Native Americans must understand specific cultural beliefs when treating individuals from this population for alcoholism (Austin et al., 1993). The American Indian perspective on health and illness highlights the importance of understanding the culture. This perspective is based on the idea of self-determination, which includes the freedom to make decisions regarding one's health and well-being. This perspective has specific issues that affect Native American communities, such as lack of trust in healthcare providers, lack of resources for treatment and rehabilitation, lack of available support for families and significant others, and involvement with tribal governments all these factors are in direct opposition to the principles espoused by the person in environment perspective. Therefore, this paper presents a Critical analysis of advanced clinical practice theory and evaluates the person in environment perspective related to advanced clinical practice from "SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL POPULATIONS, American Indians and Alcohol" by Fred Beauvais.

The person-in-environment (PIE) model is described as a "holistic model" that encompasses the individual, family, physical and social environment. Several domains in the PIE model of care can incorporate American Indian perspectives. For example, psychosocial development and substance abuse are domains in which the PIE model views individuals as "accountable for their behavior, capable of self-regulation, and having control over their health status" (Austin et al., 1993). The PIE model incorporates these aspects into its conceptualization of "health" because it is believed to be more following the natural order of things.

The person-in-environment perspective espouses a "holistic approach" to care, no longer focusing exclusively on the patient's physical condition. This perspective is defined as the "combination of knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are used to promote health and prevent disease in an individual" (Abbott, 1996). The PIE perspective strives to consider the environment in which a person lives. While this may be a physical world, it also includes the social, economic, and spiritual aspects that affect one's experiences. In addition, there are also concepts within the PIE model of care, such as "agency" an individual's beliefs about their desire to improve their overall well-being (Abbott, 1996). In other words, they believe that positive changes can be made regarding their health or behavior. This has been a powerful tool in overcoming the addiction because it allows those suffering from alcohol addiction more control over their behaviors.

In contrast to the PIE model of care, the American Indian perspective on health and illness is vastly different. In general terms, this perspective on health is that the body is sacred and can never be disrespected. The primary focus is on the spiritual side of healing, which also encompasses one's relationships with others, community, family, and land (Beauvais, 1998). The Individual & Family Services Plan Tribal Component, which the Cherokee Nation created, provides specific examples in...…a particular individual's alcoholism can enable them to work towards resolving these issues and potentially preventing relapse.

The American Indian perspective on health and illness highlights understanding one's cultural identity. Recognizing one's cultural identity can facilitate a better understanding of what triggers an individual's alcoholism. Still, it can also promote their recovery by enabling them to establish a sense of connection with others who share their cultural affiliation (Beauvais, 1998). Without this sense of connection, they may feel isolated and alone, leading to increased substance use. For example, "Alcoholism can be seen as a coping mechanism and a process of self-destruction" from an American Indian perspective. One struggling with alcoholism may prevent themselves from discovering more about their cultural heritage because they fear returning to their cultural identity will mean returning to alcohol abuse (Beauvais, 1998). For example, the loss of a loved one or the abuse and neglect may have occurred due to alcohol abuse. Another individual could perceive alcoholism as a way to cope with something negative or traumatic.

In conclusion, healthcare providers and those who work with Native Americans should try to understand how specific cultural aspects affect this population. In addition to understanding the cultural beliefs, healthcare professionals may also want to consider the stresses that might have triggered a particular individual's alcoholism. Understanding this stressor could help an alcoholic avoid relapsing into substance abuse. Finally, these individuals should be allowed to work twards meeting…