The National Teachers College

Graduate Program School of Teacher Education

I. Title of the Journal : How group processes influence, maintain, and overcome health
disparities
Author : Jeff Stone and Virginia S.Y. Kwan
Submitted by: Lea Chrisel C. Yu
Submitted to: Dr. Cesar Chester Relleve, RGC

II. Insights gleaned from the journal

Different groups and communities may have different levels of health. These
discrepancies in health outcomes are known as health disparities. Jeff et al. (2016) defines
health disparities as a particular type of health mismatch that is closely linked to social,
economic and/or environmental disadvantages. For example, people in low-income groups
have more cancer deaths than those in higher-income groups. Some populations may have
higher cancer rates while others may be more likely to use cigarettes.

I believe that the intersection of inequalities and health is relevant in the area of
counseling. Health disparities affect the health and in particular, the mental health of our
clients. Group processes and intergroup interactions have a great deal to give to the
disadvantaged in terms of recognizing and eliminating gaps in health outcomes. In addition,
resolving health inequalities is important not just from a reasonable point of view, but also in
terms of our duty to uphold social equality and justice.

Closing the difference in health disparities is not an easy job. Our role as counselor in
addressing this topic of health inequality is an opportunity for us to stay true to our dedication
to prevention, multiculturalism and social justice. We need to acquire a lens that looks
upstream in front of the person or community we treat. To do this we need to involve the
community and advocate for systemic change in partnership with others through our ability to
encourage behavioral change for improved health outcomes for all, particularly marginalized
and vulnerable communities.
III. Application of Insights in Relation to
A. Research

Although attention has increased to health care inequalities, there are still
substantial gaps in information. There is a need for a greater understanding of how
cultural, behavioral and health system variables intersect and lead to unequal access and
differential treatment. I recommend further research on building policies, processes and
community-based solutions that can effectively resolve the barriers that generate these
inequalities.

B. Application

The potential contribution of counseling to improve health inequalities is evident.

We should support improvements in the health care system that include greater access to
quality care. For example, we should motivate people to be more resilient in the face of
prejudice or, better still to try and alter the social and community factors that result in
oppression and discrimination and to lead to health inequalities. We can also use our
experience on prevention, education and multicultural problems to improve individual
health awareness in terms of preventive tests and physical conditions. In addition, we will
assist our clients in creating career options that will provide them with secure financial
futures and decent health benefits.