In the context of cultural psychology, cultural competence is a therapist's understanding of, and attention to, ________.

• A. strictly biological factors influencing behavior
• B. the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of their clients
• C. universal psychological theories that apply to all cultures equally
• D. only the therapist's own cultural identity

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that cultural competence in psychology refers to a therapist's ability to effectively work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
2. Recognize that this competence involves awareness and respect for the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of clients, which influence their behavior and experiences.
3. Eliminate options that focus solely on biological factors or universal theories, as cultural competence specifically emphasizes cultural context rather than universal or purely biological aspects.
4. Also exclude the option that mentions only the therapist's own cultural identity, since cultural competence requires understanding the client's culture, not just the therapist's.
5. Conclude that the correct understanding of cultural competence is the therapist's attention to the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of their clients.