Responding to mental distress in the Third World: cultural imperialism or the struggle for synthesis?
Author(s)
Gilbert, JaneEditor(s)
Eade, DeborahPublication date
1999-05-01
Metadata
Show full item recordJournal
Development in PracticeDocument type
Journal articleLanguage
EnglishDescription
This paper questions the appropriateness of some of the 'help' that has already been given in mental health in 'developing' countries, particularly Africa, and examines some of the complex ideological issues underlying different cultural understandings of the aetiology and treatment of mental illness. Some personal experiences, illustrating examples of the imposition of culturally inappropriate ideology in the teaching of psychiatry, are described. In conclusion, some principles of good practice are suggested which could form the basis of a synthesis between cultures, and maximise the possibility of Western aid in the field of mental distress being more culturally appropriate.<p>This article is hosted by our co-publisher Taylor & Francis.</p>Pages
9Status
For public use – can be shared outside OxfamISSN
0961-4524EISSN
1364-9213ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1080/09614529953025