Cultural Formulation 753
STRESSORS  AND  SUPPORTS
(Social Network, Caregivers, Psychosocial Stre ssors, Religion and Spirituality, Immigrants and 
Refugees, Cultural Identity, Older Adults, Coping and Help Seeking)
Elicit information on the individual’s life context, 
focusing on resources, social supports, and resil-
ience. May also probe other supports (e.g., from co-
workers, from participation in religion or spiritu-
ality).6. Are there any kinds of support that make 
your [PROBLEM] better, such as support 
from family, friends, or others?
Focus on stressful aspects of the individual’s envi-
ronment. Can also probe,  e.g., relationship prob-
lems, difficulties at work or school, or 
discrimination.7. Are there any kinds of stresses that make 
your [PROBLEM] worse, such as difficul-
ties with money, or family problems?
ROLE OF CULTURAL  IDENTITY
(Cultural Identity, Psychosocial Stressors, Relig ion and Spirituality, Immigrants and Refugees, 
Older Adults, Children and Adolescents)
Sometimes, aspects of people’s back-
ground or identity can make their [PROB-
LEM] better or worse. By background or 
identity,  I mean, for example, the commu-
nities you belong to, the languages you 
speak, where you or your family are from, 
your race or ethnic background, your gen-
der or sexual orientation, or your faith or 
religion.
Ask the individual to reflect  on the most salient ele-
ments of his or her cult ural identity. Use this