Culture and Psychosocial Implications of Socioeconomic Position Part 1: Culture and Social Determinants of Health E248B

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

The purpose of this learning material is to provide social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and counselors with comprehensive information about the effects of social determinants of health and guide them in incorporating this information into assessment and intervention with individuals, groups, families and communities. Comprehensive details regarding the ways that social stigmas and cultural forces impact individuals and communities to create differential health outcomes are explored. The learning material examines factors and social constructions affecting health outcomes and access to care including racial and ethnic identity, gender identity and expression, body size, ability status, immigration status, engagement in marginalized work (e.g., sex work), mental health status (including a discussion on substance use), legal status (including current and former incarceration), and economic disadvantage. Following from this is an exploration of how theories of human behavior and health integrate these concepts into case conceptualization, which includes a thorough discussion of the social and cultural impacts on the presenting problems of clients. Current research provides insights about the state of understanding with regard to social determinants of health as well as the direction of future research, and many clinical examples and case vignettes are included to illustrate concepts and aid clinicians in the development of their skills.

This learning material is an introduction to the concept of social determinants of health and explores the various complexities associated with multiple dimensions of diversity, the effect of socioeconomic status and socioeconomic position on health outcomes, and ways to integrate an understanding of these dimensions into case conceptualization using existing and commonly applied clinical theories. Dimensions of diversity are described and the effects of stigmas and discrimination on health and mental health outcomes are identified with particular respect to health and economic outcomes as well. Relational-cultural theory, systems theory, life course perspective, and minority stress theory are each discussed and case examples demonstrate the way that case conceptualizations can take into account the dimensions of diversity and social determinants of health. Case vignettes illustrate the complexities of these dimensions and offer questions for deeper thought. This learning module of the series serves as a thorough introduction and background from which participants can move forward into integrating this knowledge into their treatment plans for, and interventions with, clients.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize multiple dimensions of health outcomes related to specific social determinants of health in the United States.
2. Explain the connection between identities/group memberships and differential health outcomes for groups of people in the United States.
3. Describe how socioeconomic status and socioeconomic position affect potential health outcomes.
4. Describe the way that stigma affects individual experiences with the health care system.
5. Apply assessment theories to client case conceptualization with emphasis on social determinants of health.

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Socioeconomic Status (SES) and Socioeconomic Position (SEP)
• Dimensions of Diversity
  • Poverty and Economic Disadvantage
  • Race, Ethnicity, and Colorism
  • Gender Identity and Expression
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Body Size, Weight Stigma, and Size Bias
  • Ability Status
  • Immigration Status
  • Engagement in Marginalized Work
  • Mental Health Status
  • Substance Use Status
  • Legal and Incarceration Status
  • Veterans and Military Personnel
  • Other Social Elements
• Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding SES, SEP, and SDH
  • Life Course Perspective
  • Relational Cultural Theory
  • Social Ecological Model of Health and Systems Theory
  • Minority Stress Theory
• Summary

Author

Jessie Timmons, LCSW

Jessie Timmons, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist and teacher of social work, as well as a practiced advocate for cultural humility and inclusive advocacy. She is a former faculty member of Temple University’s School of Social Work and is a current board member, having served two years as the board president, for the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW). Her teaching and professional development have focused on ethical practice and in particular on making inclusiveness and affirmative advocacy an integral part of the ethical practice of social work and social work education.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/08/2024–08/08/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 5 cultural competence continuing education credits.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

Level Education Group, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0355.

Level Education Group, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0835.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.