Cultures Have Different Views Of Understanding Psychology
Cultures Have Different Views Of Understanding Psychological Disorders
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 Discussion, you will examine the influence of culture on psychological conditions or treatments. 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.
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding psychological disorders requires a consideration of cultural differences that shape perceptions, explanations, and treatment approaches. Culture influences how mental health issues are experienced, interpreted, and addressed, leading to diverse conceptualizations and therapeutic practices worldwide. This essay explores a culturally specific treatment—traditional Chinese medicine's approach to mental health—and analyzes why such practices are prevalent in Chinese culture but less common in Western mental health paradigms.
One traditional Chinese approach to mental health involves the use of acupuncture and herbal remedies to treat conditions like depression and anxiety. Unlike the biomedical model predominant in the West, which attributes mental health disorders primarily to neurochemical imbalances, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) views mental health as an imbalance of energy or "Qi" within the body. The concept of Qi and the understanding of mental health are deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, emphasizing harmony between the mind, body, and environment (Chen & Zhang, 2017). This holistic perspective shapes treatment protocols that aim to restore balance through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications.
The reason such treatments are culturally embedded in China stems from historical, philosophical, and societal factors. TCM has been practiced for thousands of years and is integrated into the health care system, with practitioners often combining it with Western medicine to provide comprehensive care (Lo & Lee, 2018). Cultural beliefs about health and illness emphasize the interconnectedness of internal organs and vital energy, influencing both the perception of psychological disorders and acceptable treatment modalities. In Chinese society, mental health is often viewed through a lens of bodily harmony rather than purely psychological maladjustment, which explains the reliance on traditional practices.
In contrast, Western medicine tends to conceptualize mental health disorders primarily through biological, psychological, and social frameworks, emphasizing pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. The biomedical model's dominance reflects scientific paradigms emphasizing observable symptoms, neurochemical factors, and evidence-based interventions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). While Western practices increasingly incorporate holistic approaches, traditional Chinese methods remain culturally congruent and widely used in China and among Chinese communities worldwide.
The divergence in treatment modalities reflects broader cultural values regarding health, the mind-body connection, and the acceptability of different interventions. In Western contexts, mental health treatments prioritize individual psychological insight and biological interventions, often viewing alternative medicine as supplementary or non-evidence-based. Conversely, in China, TCM’s holistic approach aligns with cultural beliefs about health, emphasizing harmony and balance, which may explain its continued relevance and acceptance (Kaptchuk, 2011).
Understanding these cultural differences is vital for mental health professionals working in multicultural settings. Recognizing that patients may ascribe different meanings to their symptoms and may prefer culturally familiar treatments can improve therapeutic alliance and treatment adherence. For example, when working with Chinese patients, integrating TCM concepts or collaborating with traditional practitioners may enhance treatment effectiveness (Ng, 2014).
In conclusion, the cultural context profoundly influences perceptions, explanations, and treatment approaches for psychological conditions. Traditional Chinese medicine's holistic approach exemplifies how cultural beliefs about health and the body shape mental health practices. Appreciating such cultural diversity is essential for culturally competent mental health care and for reducing health disparities across different populations.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Chen, J., & Zhang, L. (2017). Traditional Chinese medicine and mental health: An overview. Journal of Holistic Healthcare, 14(2), 45–53.
Kaptchuk, T. J. (2011). The placebo effect in alternative medicine: Can the mind heal? Springer Science & Business Media.
Lo, B., & Lee, C. (2018). The integration of traditional Chinese medicine in modern healthcare: Challenges and opportunities. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 24(12), 903–908.
Ng, B. W. (2014). Culturally sensitive mental health services for Chinese populations. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 9(4), 247–253.