ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Th is chapter provides a brief review of the international literature on the value of cultural competence in mental health nursing (but is integral to all health professions). Selected domains from the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence and the research literature on individualistic and collectivistic cultures are used as guides for assessing and planning interventions/treatment specifi c to the culture of the individual. Although all domains (constructs) of the Purnell Model are applicable, space does not permit an extensive review of them here. Th e reader is encouraged to read Chapter 4 for a more complete description of the Purnell Model and its organising
framework before continuing with this chapter. Material culture, such as music, dance, dress, poetry, literature and art, are important and should be incorporated. However, they are not addressed in this chapter, where the focus in on subjective cultural values, beliefs and practices.
