With increasing globalization, countries face social, linguistic, religious and other cultural changes that can lead to misunderstandings in communication, the workplace, health care, and education. These cultural changes can have broader implications across the world, leading to changing dynamics in identity, gender, relationships, family, and community. This book addresses the subsequent need for a basic understanding of the cultural dimensions of psychology and their application to everyday settings. Dr. Vaughn provides an up-to-date overview of psychology and culture, emphasizing the cultural influences on our thinking and behavior during intercultural interactions. The book discusses the basis of culture and presents related theories and concepts, including a description of how cognition and behavior are influenced by sociocultural contexts in the areas of identity, human development, intercultural interactions, and basic psychological processes. The text explores a broader definition of culture which includes social dimensions (e.g., gender, religion, socioeconomic status) and provides practical models to improve intercultural relations, communication, and cultural competency in education, organizations, relationships, and health. Each chapter contains an introduction, a concise overview of the topic and its theoretical construct, a practical application of the topic using current global examples, and a brief summary. The book is ideal reading for undergraduate and graduate students and academics interested in culturally related topics and issues.

Author Biography

Lisa M. Vaughn is Associate Professor in Paediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine / Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She is trained as a social psychologist, counsellor and medical educator and her primary interests are sociocultural issues affecting the health and well-being of families, especially immigrant and minority populations.