Discussion: Socioeconomics Affects Psychotherapy
Discussion: Socioeconomics Affects PsychotherapyDiscussion: Socioeconomics Affects
PsychotherapyZero PlagiarismPsychiatric nurse practitioners must use a wide range of
psychotherapy to interact with clients diagnosed with many different mental health
disorders (Laureate Education, 2016). By learning psychotherapy, nurses become nurse
psychotherapists, where they cultivate reflection, mindfulness, and patience (Wheeler,
2014). The purpose of this discussion is to explain whether psychotherapy has a biological
basis, describe how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective
of psychotherapy treatments.ORDER NOW FOR ORIGINAL, PLAGIARISM-FREE
PAPERSBiological Basis in Psychotherapy“Psychotherapy, as a specific form of medical
treatment, provides biological repair, especially by effecting changes in growth or
adaptation of the organism…” (Whitaker & Malone, 1953). In the human organism, one of
the main functions is growth, whether that is growth from the mother to child, or
personality growth (Whitaker & Malone, 1953). Personality is formed through social and
cultural experiences throughout human life (Whitaker & Malone, 1953). Therefore, we have
an inept distinction between growing. Psychotherapy allows for the client to learn and grow
certain behaviors that offset negative actions (Whitaker & Malone, 1953). Therefore,
psychotherapy has a biological basis. For example, a mother gives attention, emotional ,
and love to a young child, and the child feels secure (Whitaker & Malone, 1953). The same
can be said for a psychotherapeutic relationship, whether social or professional, the client
can feel secure due to emotional (Whitaker & Malone, 1953). Discussion: Socioeconomics
Affects PsychotherapyCulture and Religion Affects PsychotherapyCulture shapes
perceptions, attributions, judgments, and ideas (Wheeler, 2014). Understanding a client’s
culture allows an APRN to grasp what might be the best treatment option. For example,
some cultures and religions are not as comfortable with antipsychotic medications, and
therefore, psychotherapy might be the best option for them. Gender roles and cultural
experiences can shape the identity of men and women (Passalacqua & Cervantes, 2008). For
example, certain religions have female and male gender roles where female roles can reflect
caretaking responsibilities, and male roles reflect their status at work and in the community
(Passalacqua & Cervante, 2008). It is important that the APRN is aware of these roles, which
can help with the way psychotherapy is presented for these types of
communities.Socioeconomics Affects PsychotherapySocioeconomic deprivation has been
shown to have a higher prevalence of mental health problems (Finegan et al., 2017).
According to one study conducted, lower socioeconomic status contributed to poorer

psychological treatment outcomes (Finegan et al., 2017). In another study conducted
regarding children, it appeared that parents with lower education and income were more
likely to drop out of psychotherapy for their child than children with highly educated
parents (Haan et al., 2014). Access to psychotherapy was also related to socioeconomic
status and children who lived in poorer areas had less access to treatment than children
who lived in affluent neighborhoods (Haan et al., 2014). Socioeconomic status can affect
whether a client comes for a psychotherapy session and how comfortable they are with
communicating there needs (Haan et al., 2014).SummaryIn conclusion, psychotherapy has a
biological basis and is programmed in every individual. Culture, religion, and socioeconomic
status affects psychotherapy and each individual’s experience.