Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which perspective involves viewing clients from a universal standpoint?

1. Emic

2. Etic

3. Cultural

4. Contextual

The correct answer is: Etic

The perspective that involves viewing clients from a universal standpoint is the etic approach. This approach emphasizes understanding human behavior and experiences from an outsider or culturally neutral perspective, focusing on commonalities that exist across diverse populations. By utilizing the etic perspective, counselors aim to apply theories, concepts, and practices that can be generalized to a wide array of clients, regardless of their specific cultural context. In contrast, the emic perspective is rooted in understanding behaviors and beliefs from within a particular cultural context, highlighting the differences and unique experiences of individuals within that culture. The cultural perspective emphasizes the importance of cultural context in understanding behavior, while the contextual perspective considers the broader situational factors impacting individuals. In essence, the etic approach seeks to identify universal patterns and principles that are applicable across different cultures and contexts.