What concepts are involved in the Helper model?

What concepts are involved in the Helper model?

• A. Pity, dependency, and paternalism
• B. Independence
• C. Objectivity
• D. Cultural neutrality

Answer: (A)

In the Helper model, the focus is on a caretaker dynamic where the helper’s attitudes create a sense of pity and control, which fosters dependency in the person being helped. Pity implies seeing the client as pitiful or incapable, and paternalism shows up when the helper makes decisions for the client or limits the client’s autonomy, often under the belief that it’s for their own good. This combination encourages the client to rely on the helper rather than develop independence, shaping interactions around dependence rather than empowerment. Independence would contradict this dynamic, as it centers on the client acting autonomously rather than being kept in a dependent position. Objectivity and cultural neutrality, while important professional principles, describe how an interpreter should approach work rather than the specific attitudes that define the Helper model’s problematic relationship dynamics.

In the Helper model, the focus is on a caretaker dynamic where the helper’s attitudes create a sense of pity and control, which fosters dependency in the person being helped. Pity implies seeing the client as pitiful or incapable, and paternalism shows up when the helper makes decisions for the client or limits the client’s autonomy, often under the belief that it’s for their own good. This combination encourages the client to rely on the helper rather than develop independence, shaping interactions around dependence rather than empowerment.

Independence would contradict this dynamic, as it centers on the client acting autonomously rather than being kept in a dependent position. Objectivity and cultural neutrality, while important professional principles, describe how an interpreter should approach work rather than the specific attitudes that define the Helper model’s problematic relationship dynamics.