Stereotyping

Question 1

Define ‘stereotype’ and give an example of a positive and negative stereotype

Answer 1

Definition: Stereotyping refers to biases that develop over time and create prejudice towards certain people or groups.
Positive stereotype: Somebody who physically looks fit could be stereotyped as someone who eats healthy meals, has good sleep hygiene and exercises regularly.
Negative stereotype: An overweight person could be deemed as being lazy, unmotivated and has bad nutrition.

Question 2

Give three reasons why it is important for health professionals to avoid communicating stereotypical judgement.

Answer 2

1. Puts people down
2. Shows that the health professional isn’t willing to treat patients as individuals
3. Shows arrogance

Question 3

What communication barriers can stereotypical judgement produce?

Answer 3

If the health professional is unwilling to treat their client individually without judgement then the client may be more inclined to withdraw information about themselves and become non compliant.

The health providers behavior may also sour future interactions between them and their client and may also put the client off from seeking future help.

Question 4

Identify the characteristics of a health professional that are most closely related to effective communication skills. Explain why and how:

Answer 4

1. Listening is very important when trying to effectively communicate. You mustn’t interject when actively listening. Wait for a natural pause in the conversation and only speak when necessary. Consider your responses and take into account the other persons point of view. Identify any factors that might be influencing them and ask thoughtful questions in order to get down to the core of the issue. Also take your NVC’s into account when engaging in conversation. Open body language is key along with maintaining eye contact depending on your clients cultural background.
2. Avoid stereotyping your client and treat each person on a case by case basis. Ask open and honest questions whilst seeking clarification on any points that may be unclear. Remember that everyone has a different story with many factors influencing their decision making skills, some people might have mental / physical ailments which could had significant impact on their lifestyle as well.

Question 5

Suggest 3 Ways a health professional can avoid stereotypical judgement:

Answer 5

1. Activity reflect on your subconscious thought processes.
2. Acquire information and knowledge on differing cultures online. It may also be useful to speak to actual people from that culture and ask open and honest questions in order to gain a better perspective on the matter.
3. Treat each individual on a case by case basis and ask them appropriate questions when you wish to acquire more information.

Question 6

List five behaviours (some of which are communicative) to overcome the power imbalance in the relationship between the health professional and the person seeking assistance. Give original examples of each behaviour.

Answer 6

1. Take appropriate measures to communicate with you client on the same eyeline. This means if you’re speaking to an infant, kneel to their level when talking.
2. Open NVC’s, this means avoid crossing your arms during an appointment. If appropriate you could also lean forward slightly in order to show engagement in the conversation.
3. Avoid casting judgement on clients. Health professionals must view each client as individuals regardless of their prior experience within this field. It is this thought process which avoids labelling clients and must be maintained in order to demonstrate respect.
4. Health Professionals are in a position of power due to their knowledge and experience within their field. Therefor health professionals must exercise humility in order to foster equality in their relationships.
5. Health professionals must actively listen to their clients, doing this makes the client feel seen and; through targeted questioning gets to the core of the issue faster. Health professional must be working for their clients, not for themselves.