Discussion 1: Cultural Perceptions, Intergroup Competence and the Dual Perspective Model

Cultural identities, such as race and ethnicity, religious persuasion, sexual orientation, and ability, and the cultural perception of these identities often influence individuals' interactions with others in society. When cultures differ, bicultural socialization represents an individual's ability to integrate positive aspects of his or her culture with the prevailing societal culture.

Think back to the systems theories you examined earlier in the course. How might these identities affect an individual's interactions within the family or immediate community system, or what the dual perspective model refers to as the nurturing system?

Would these identities affect an individual's interactions within the larger social system that includes commercial, political, economic, and educational subsystems or what the dual perspective model refers to as the sustaining system?

The answers to these questions exist in your ability to understand your clients' experiences and your understanding of the interconnection that exists among your client's cultural identities, otherwise referred to as level of intergroup competence.

For this Discussion, review this week's resources, including the Petrakis Family video case. Consider the cultural influences depicted in the video and how Helen and the intern's ethnic and racial identities might be relevant to their interaction. Then, think about any video evidence of the intern's perception of Helen's culture and how it might compare to the intern's level of intergroup competence. Finally, reflect on how the intern might apply the dual perspective model in the intern's approach to Helen.

· Post a summary of the cultural influences depicted in the video and explain how Helen and the intern's ethnic and racial identities might be relevant to their interaction.

· Then, explain any video evidence of the intern's perception of Helen's culture and further explain how the intern's cultural perception might reflect her level of intergroup competence.

· Finally, explain what social work skills the intern might use to apply the dual perspective model in her approach to Helen.

Discussion 2: Treating Psychotic Disorders

There are two major types of antipsychotic medication. Typical antipsychotics are older drugs, such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol. Typical antipsychotics tend to be highly effective, yet they often have severe side effects. Older clients are more likely to have been prescribed typical antipsychotics before newer atypical antipsychotics became available. However, as long as the client is tolerating the medication, generally the treatment will continue.

Atypical antipsychotics, or newer drugs, tend to be tolerated more readily, and the side effects are less severe (Perry, Alexander, Liskow, & DeVane, 2007). Since typical antipsychotics often have severe side effects, they are used as a last resort when the atypical antipsychotics are not effective.

Nevertheless, both antipsychotic medications manage the positive symptoms of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, including hallucinations and delusions.

For this Discussion, review the media programs "Psychotic Disorder Case Study: Harry" and"Psychotic Disorder Case Study: Ralph"and consider the case study's current antipsychotic drug treatments.

Next, you will be placed into one of two groups (i.e., Group A: "Harry" case study or Group B: "Ralph" case study). You then will post to your specific group about your assigned case study. You will then respond to a colleague from the opposite group about their case study.

· Post an alternative antipsychotic drug treatment for your assigned case and explain why you think it is more appropriate.

· Explain the potential negative side effects and identify symptoms that may not be relieved by the treatment.

· Then, explain one potential ethical concern related to this client's treatment and your role as a mental health professional once the client has been stabilized on his medication.

Attachment:- Program Transcript.rar