ABSTRACT
Norms are the patterns, models, or standards regarded as typical within a particular culture. Cultural norms for physical activity vary. Many questionnaires used to measure physical activity were constructed for use in high-economic countries and are not valid in some low-economic countries. Cultural behaviors are relatively objective, observed aspects of life such as language, dress, and what and how one eats. The dominant cultural groups in Western societies such as Europe and the United States are individualistic. Characteristics of individualistic societies include independence, individual achievement, self-expression, individual thinking, personal choice, flexibility in roles, private property, and individual ownership. Psychological practice is reliant on communication. Just as with other behaviors and norms, aspects of communication are influenced by culture. The development of cultural competence has cognitive and affective components. Cultural proficiency requires individual as well as organizational cultural competence.
