A Small-Group Reflection Exercise for Increasing the Awareness of Cultural Stereotypes: A Facilitator's Guide

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Due to the findings that conscious and unconscious stereotypes play a contributing role in racial and ethnic disparities in health and healthcare, several authorities recommend cultural competence training for healthcare providers. The first step in effective cultural competence training is increasing learners' awareness of racial and ethnic disparities; the presence of unconscious personal stereotypes, biases, and assumptions; and the impact of such stereotypes on healthcare delivery. Methods In order to address this we created this 150-minute small-group reflection exercise to increase participant's awareness of their biases. Through self- and group-reflection, participants additionally become aware of the potential influence of unconscious stereotypes on healthcare delivery. Results This exercise was used with 114 second-year medical students in groups of 10–15 with one facilitator. After completing the exercise, 49% of students agreed and 44.7% strongly agreed (93.7% combined) that they were more aware of the influence of unconscious stereotypes and assumptions on providing effective patient care. Additionally, after completing this exercise 41.7% agreed and 49% strongly agreed (90.7% combined) that they were more aware of their own personal stereotypes and assumptions regarding groups different from themselves. Discussion This exercise is an effective first step in any cultural competence curriculum to improve participants' awareness of unconscious stereotypes they might have about different cultural groups.

Keywords

• Health Equity Research
• Self-Reflection
• Humanistic Environment
• Stereotypes
• Cultural Groups
• Stereotyped Behavior