Culturally competent service providers must take into account the full range of factors that influence how any one individual service recipient behaves and communicates. Acculturation is a process that occurs when two distinct cultural groups have continuous first-hand contact, resulting in subsequent changes in the original cultural patterns of either or both groups. The degree to which acculturation takes place is influenced directly by both the cultural and individual-level differences. The following examples are provided to illustrate this process and the type and level of influence that specific socio-cultural variables may have in a given situation. I ndividuals value holding onto their original culture and avoid interaction with other cultural groups.
Cultural integrity is maintained while the individual participates in the larger social network.
Individual from a non-dominant group does not wish to maintain their original culture and actively participates in dominant culture. B. Program Profiles One of the difficulties that has presented itself to direct service providers over the years is the development of a relationship with service recipients that supports the achievement of positive outcomes. The key to success in developing this type of relationship is to practice the underlying behaviors that make such relationships possible. The positive outcomes associated with the communication of these characteristics are sought by providers across numerous settings and with a wide variety of service recipients. The presence of these relationship qualities have been shown to influence the individual's overall level of health.