Chapter 15 Diversity and Stress

Terms to Define Minority: racial, religious, or ethnic group smaller in number than the controlling group in the the community or nation Minority: racial, religious, or ethnic group smaller in number than the controlling group in the the community or nation Race: a group of people with similar physical traits, blood types, genetic patterns, and/or inherited characteristics Race: a group of people with similar physical traits, blood types, genetic patterns, and/or inherited characteristics Ethnicity: a group of people having a common heritage such as common customs, characteristics, language, and history Ethnicity: a group of people having a common heritage such as common customs, characteristics, language, and history

Positive Aspects of Minority Status Asian American contributions Asian American contributions –Acupuncture –Herbal medicines –Relaxation techniques Native American contributions Native American contributions –“Wholism” concept –Harmony (balance) concept of health –Concern for the environment

Positive Aspects of Minority Status, cont’d Latino/Hispanic American contributions Latino/Hispanic American contributions –Social and family support –Spiritual aspects of health African American contributions African American contributions –Importance of church –Enjoyment of life through sports, arts, social interaction

Stressors Challenging Minorities Racism Racism Culture conflicts Culture conflicts Acculturation stressors Acculturation stressors Hate crimes Hate crimes

Health Status Differences of Minorities Health care disadvantages Health care disadvantages Some national health objectives focus on minorities Some national health objectives focus on minorities Infant mortality Infant mortality Life expectancy Life expectancy Years of potential life lost Years of potential life lost Hypertension Hypertension

Health Status Differences of Minorities, cont’d HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Cancer Cancer Mental health Mental health

Poverty and Educational Level These factors are related and are associated with poorer health These factors are related and are associated with poorer health The lower the socioeconomic level, the poorer the health status The lower the socioeconomic level, the poorer the health status Table 15.3 shows poverty levels in the United States (2000) Table 15.3 shows poverty levels in the United States (2000) Women in general earn less than men and have less opportunities Women in general earn less than men and have less opportunities Age and disability status are other factors Age and disability status are other factors

Family Life Two important factors of family life that are related to stress development Two important factors of family life that are related to stress development –Homelessness –Type of family structure

Age and Physical Disability The elderly are not revered in the United States as they are in some countries, a source of stress The elderly are not revered in the United States as they are in some countries, a source of stress People with disabilities suffer from the challenge of their condition and from discriminatory attitudes People with disabilities suffer from the challenge of their condition and from discriminatory attitudes

Diversity and Stress Chapter 15