Culture-Bound Syndromes
Culture-Bound Syndromes
By:
Central Arkansas University
Table of Contents
Abstract Pg. 3
Introduction Pg. 4 - 8
Methodology Pg. 8 - 10
Analysis & Discussion Pg. 10 - 11
Conclusion & Recommendations Pg. 11- 13
Bibliography Pg. 14
Abstract
Mental Health as described by LaVeist and Thomas (2005) is “a state of successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity” (p. 84). Mental health functioning is important regarding a person’s well-being, being able to interact with others in a healthy manner, and contributes many things to individual’s through communities and society. Culture-bound syndromes are conditions that are specific to particular cultures. The cultures that experience, express, and deal with culture-bound syndromes in different ways is extremely common. LaVeist and Thomas (2005) state that “culture-bound syndromes are clusters of symptoms more common in some cultures than others” (p. 101). There are symptoms that are found in all nations, cultures, and similarly recognizable worldwide but yet are different at the same time.
Culture-Bound Syndromes
Culture-bound syndromes, also known as culture-specific syndromes, have been defined as “clusters of symptoms more common in some cultures than in other cultural groups” (LaVeist & Thomas, 2005, p.101). Although many mental disorders are well known in specific cultures, these disorders are at least somewhat conditioned by the culture in which they are found. More importantly, the topic of culture-bound syndromes has “been a controversial topic since they have reflected the different opinions of anthropologists and psychiatrists” (WHO, 1992). Consequently, researchers have had some difficulty emphasizing culture specific dimensions of certain syndromes. Some studies have suggested that
By:
Central Arkansas University
Table of Contents
Abstract Pg. 3
Introduction Pg. 4 - 8
Methodology Pg. 8 - 10
Analysis & Discussion Pg. 10 - 11
Conclusion & Recommendations Pg. 11- 13
Bibliography Pg. 14
Abstract
Mental Health as described by LaVeist and Thomas (2005) is “a state of successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity” (p. 84). Mental health functioning is important regarding a person’s well-being, being able to interact with others in a healthy manner, and contributes many things to individual’s through communities and society. Culture-bound syndromes are conditions that are specific to particular cultures. The cultures that experience, express, and deal with culture-bound syndromes in different ways is extremely common. LaVeist and Thomas (2005) state that “culture-bound syndromes are clusters of symptoms more common in some cultures than others” (p. 101). There are symptoms that are found in all nations, cultures, and similarly recognizable worldwide but yet are different at the same time.
Culture-Bound Syndromes
Culture-bound syndromes, also known as culture-specific syndromes, have been defined as “clusters of symptoms more common in some cultures than in other cultural groups” (LaVeist & Thomas, 2005, p.101). Although many mental disorders are well known in specific cultures, these disorders are at least somewhat conditioned by the culture in which they are found. More importantly, the topic of culture-bound syndromes has “been a controversial topic since they have reflected the different opinions of anthropologists and psychiatrists” (WHO, 1992). Consequently, researchers have had some difficulty emphasizing culture specific dimensions of certain syndromes. Some studies have suggested that
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