Cultural Influences on Psychological Conditions and Treatments

QUESTION

Cultures have different views of understanding psychological disorders and psychological maladjustment. For instance, some cultures may view psychological conditions resulting from a bio-medical condition such as a brain condition. Other cultures view psychological conditions deriving from psychosocial stressors from social causes. Still other cultures combine multiple explanations. For this reason, as a working professional, it will be important for you to understand how culture influences the way psychological conditions are treated.

For this D i s c u s s I o n, you will examine the influence of culture on psychological conditions or treatments.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735807001018?via=ihub

• Hwang, W., Myers, H. F., Abe-Kim, J., & Ting, J. Y. (2008). A conceptual paradigm for understanding culture’s impact on mental health: The cultural influences on mental health (CIMH) modelLinks to an external site.. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(2), 211-227. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2007.05.00.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796702001900?via=ihub

• Draguns, J. G., & Tanaka-Matsumi, J. (2003). Assessment of psychopathology across and within cultures: Issues and findingsLinks to an external site.. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 41(7), 755-776.

TO PREPARE

• Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider a psychological condition or treatment you are unfamiliar with and the culture in which it occurs.

BY DAY 4

Describe a psychological condition or treatment that was unfamiliar to you. Then, explain why you think this condition or treatment occurs in the culture you read about but not in others, that you know about.

Note: Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and identify current relevant literature to support your work.

ANSWER

 Cultural Influences on Psychological Conditions and Treatments

Introduction

Cultures play a significant role in shaping our understanding and treatment of psychological conditions. The way different cultures perceive and interpret psychological disorders can vary greatly, leading to diverse approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and healing. This essay explores the influence of culture on psychological conditions and treatments, focusing on a specific condition or treatment that is unfamiliar in one culture but prevalent in another. By examining cultural factors, we can gain insights into why certain conditions or treatments occur within specific cultural contexts.

Description of Unfamiliar Psychological Condition or Treatment

Choose a specific psychological condition or treatment that is unfamiliar. For example, let’s consider “Hikikomori,” a condition prevalent in Japan where individuals withdraw from society and isolate themselves for an extended period.

 Cultural Factors Influencing the Condition or Treatment

Explain why this condition or treatment occurs in the culture you read about but not in others you are familiar with. Cultural factors may include:
Cultural Norms and Values: Each culture has distinct norms and values that influence the perception of mental health. In the case of Hikikomori, the collectivist nature of Japanese society, which emphasizes conformity and social harmony, may contribute to feelings of pressure and isolation among individuals who struggle to meet societal expectations.
 Social Structures and Expectations: Cultural factors, such as familial hierarchies, societal expectations, and education systems, can shape the emergence of specific psychological conditions. In Japan, the emphasis on academic achievement and social conformity may contribute to the development of Hikikomori as a response to overwhelming pressures.
 Stigma and Help-Seeking Behavior: Cultural attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking play a significant role. Stigma associated with mental health issues may prevent individuals from seeking treatment or openly discussing their conditions, leading to a higher prevalence of certain conditions within specific cultural contexts.

Comparisons with Other Cultures

Contrast the occurrence of the unfamiliar condition or treatment with your knowledge of other cultures. For example:
In individualistic cultures, where personal autonomy and independence are valued, the prevalence of Hikikomori may be significantly lower due to the emphasis on individual agency and self-expression.
Different cultural perspectives and beliefs may lead to alternative explanations or categorizations of psychological conditions, resulting in different treatments or approaches.

Cultural Sensitivity and Cross-Cultural Understanding

Recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural understanding in diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals with psychological conditions. Acknowledge that cultural context shapes our understanding of mental health and the effectiveness of various treatments. Cultural competence is crucial for mental health professionals to provide appropriate care that respects and acknowledges diverse cultural perspectives.

Conclusion

Culture significantly influences the occurrence of psychological conditions and the choice of treatments. By understanding cultural factors, such as norms, values, social structures, and stigma, we can gain insights into why certain conditions or treatments are prevalent in specific cultures. Recognizing the influence of culture promotes cultural sensitivity and supports the development of culturally appropriate interventions. Mental health professionals must continuously expand their cultural knowledge and engage in ongoing dialogue to provide effective and inclusive care across diverse cultural contexts.