Task Force on Culture and Ethnic Diversity: EFPA sponsored session ABS.NO. S13

Globalisation involves not only movement of human beings across the borders but also movement of knowledge including theoretical as well as intervention paradigms across geographical borders. These movements lead to challenges for the discipline, both in the academic teaching and research especially in training the scholars and practitioners in the cultural and other competences relevant for treating the increasing diversity of the populations. Besides there is a critical discussion of patholisation of some aspects of general human life leading to medical- diagnostic practices and underplaying or neglecting the moral, existential and spiritual approaches. This symposium presents some strategic contemporary responses to these challenges through relatively new developments in the universities across a number of European countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Portugal and Denmark. Further development of both scholars and practitioners through a more nuanced teaching and training is the overall objective of the symposium. Although there are a range of programs with different epistemologies and levels, such as Masters Degree course, specific work life understanding model, documenting need for cultural training and Eastern practices course developed on students� demand, yet these papers reflect a salient commonality � developing psychological understandings among the professionals, which are responsive to the current demographical transformations in Europe. The symposium invites the participants for an interactive discussion to enhance the paradigms presented leading to reciprocal inspiration and exchange.

1.Abstract for presentation in Symposium
An Academic Teaching Program in Culture and Ethnic Diversity for
M.A. students of Psychology


Prof.em. Dr. Alexander Thomas, Regensburg University, Germany

Since 2001 an academic teaching program developed by psychologists for
students of psychology (Diplom-Psychologe and M.A. Psychologe) are
established at the University of Regensburg in cooperation with the University of
Applied Sciences at Regensburg. Students of other faculties could also participate in
this program.
The frame, the goals, the contents, the teaching methods and the results to
qualify the students of psychology will be reported.


E-Mail: [email protected]



2.Abstract for presentation in Symposium
An inquiry into the (sub)cultural contingency of work motivation
Associate Professor Kolman, Ludek; Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague
People differ from animals in using meta-representations of objects and aspects from their physical, as well as psychological environments. A meta-representation is a representation which connects beliefs and knowledge concerning an object and/or aspect of the ambiance to its mental representation. This idea was employed by others to explain the nature of cross-cultural differences in cognition. The present paper uses the same idea to analyze two concepts related to phenomena relevant to the theory of work motivation, namely self-efficacy and satisfaction. The two concepts mentioned were used to explain factorial structure of a work motivation survey data. The data analysis led in both the cases to identification of subjects' sub-groups which seem to use different meta-representation of the two concepts. As the survey was carried out in one national environment only, the results should be interpreted as demonstrating sub-cultural, rather as cross-cultural differences. Even so, the approach employed seems to be useful as it enables to construe to some depth otherwise opaque character of the work motivation contingency on (sub) cultural differences.
Key words: work motivation, (sub) cultural differences, meta-representation.
Email: [email protected]

3.Abstract for presentation in Symposium

Case conceptualization, relationship building and intervention challenges with culturally diverse clients among clinical psychologists: a case for cultural competence training

Prof. Carla Moleiro, Lisbon University, Portugal

The present paper addresses the issue of cultural competence among clinical psychologists. The study used an Experimental design, in a qualitative analogue study. Two video cases vignettes of clients were presented to 31 clinical psychologists in Portugal, mostly with no training in cultural competence. After they were interviewed, regarding each of the presented clients and how they would integrate cultural issues into their practice. The transcripts were analysed. Results showed that mostly clinical psychologists responded at the level of cultural blindness and pre-competence, while only a few units of analyses reflected competence. This study highlights the need for formal cultural competence training among clinical psychologists in Europe.

Email: [email protected]


4. Abstract for presentation in Symposium
A bottom up initiative: Meditation & Mindfulness 'Eastern' practices in the ‘Western’ academia
Assoicate Professor Rashmi Singla, Roskilde University & NGO TTT, Denmark

The process of globalisation has also influenced the curriculum of Psychology discipline in the Nordic countries to some extent. There are new sub disciplines and themes in the contemporary courses which have been brought about by both top down as well as bottom up initiative. This paper covers a case of bottom up initiative, where the students themselves have demanded inclusion of non- conventional psychosocial interventions illustrated by meditation and mindfulness as Eastern psychological practices, thus filling the gap related to the existential, spiritual approaches. The western psychological hegemony has made such transformations difficult and contentious in some universities in Denmark, whereas others are more open towards an integrated form of knowledge originating from different geographical contexts.
The initiative taken by the psychology students in Århus University, the specific course dynamic developed and the evaluation is to be delineated in the paper. In addition, both pedagogical psychological aspects and long term consequences of such initiatives are discussed. Lastly implications for future integration of knowledge in a globalised world are perspectivised through interplay of Eastern and Western psychology in a level field.
Key words: Changing psychology curriculum, students’ initiative, Eastern and Western psychology, Meditation and Mindfulness practices, long term consequences
Email: [email protected]