Which of the following is an acceptable question for counselors to ask?

The correct answer highlights the importance of understanding how cultural factors influence a client's mental health. Asking how a client's culture affects their mental health is not only acceptable but also crucial in multicultural counseling. It demonstrates the counselor's sensitivity to the client's cultural context and acknowledgment that culture can play a significant role in shaping experiences, coping mechanisms, and perceptions of mental health. This question encourages the client to share insights about their cultural background and its impact, fostering a more comprehensive approach to counseling.

In comparison, while asking about racial background may seem relevant, it can come off as simplistic or reduce the client's identity to just one aspect of their experience. The question about prejudices may also lead to defensiveness or discomfort, as it may not directly contribute to understanding the client's cultural experience or mental health in a supportive manner. Thus, focusing on how culture affects mental health is a more constructive and sensitive way to engage with clients in a multicultural context.