Harden Elkington
Abnormal psychology focuses on understanding mental health disorders that differ from what’s seen as “normal” or typical behavior.
However, what counts as “abnormal” isn’t always easy to define.
What might seem unusual in one culture could be perfectly acceptable in another.
That’s why it’s essential to consider culture when studying abnormal psychology.
Culture deeply influences how mental health is viewed, diagnosed, and treated, making it a key factor in understanding psychological disorders worldwide.
Understanding Abnormal Psychology and Culture
Definition
Abnormal psychology focuses on behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are considered outside the norm.
But defining “abnormal” is tricky.
What one person or culture may see as irrational or abnormal, another may see as perfectly reasonable.
Typically, abnormal psychology looks at mental health conditions that cause distress, impair functioning, or are significantly deviant from societal norms.
These can include disorders like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or personality disorders.
However, “abnormality” is subjective, meaning it can differ based on cultural and societal standards.
Cultural relativism
The concept of cultural relativism is key to understanding abnormal psychology.
It means that a person’s behaviors and thoughts should be understood within the context of their culture.
Cultural relativism reminds us that what is abnormal in one culture might be seen as normal in another.
For example, spiritual visions or talking to ancestors may be interpreted as hallucinations in one culture, while viewed as part of religious practice in another.
This becomes important in mental health diagnosis because mental health professionals must be careful not to impose their own cultural biases when diagnosing individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
Examples of culturally specific disorders
Certain mental health disorders are more prevalent—or even unique—to specific cultures.
These are sometimes called “culture-bound syndromes.” For instance:
- Koro syndrome: A condition found primarily in Southeast Asia where individuals fear that their genitals are shrinking or retracting into the body, which can cause intense anxiety.
- Ataque de Nervios: Common in Latin American cultures, this involves episodes of intense emotional distress, including uncontrollable screaming, crying, or fainting, often in response to stressful events.
- Dhat syndrome: Seen in South Asia, this involves severe anxiety related to the belief of losing semen, which is thought to weaken the body.
Cultural Influences on Mental Health
Social norms and expectations
Every culture has its own set of social norms and expectations that dictate acceptable behavior.
These norms influence how people behave and how they view mental health.
For example, in more individualistic cultures, such as the U.S. or Western Europe, there is a greater emphasis on personal achievement and independence.
Mental health conditions that interfere with productivity, like depression, may be viewed more negatively.
On the other hand, collectivist cultures, such as those in East Asia, may place more value on community harmony and family loyalty.
This means that mental health conditions seen as disruptive to family dynamics, like schizophrenia, might be more stigmatized.
Stigma and discrimination
Unfortunately, stigma and discrimination are major barriers to seeking mental health care, and these issues can vary greatly between cultures.
In some cultures, mental illness is viewed as a personal failing or a source of shame for the family.
This can discourage people from seeking help or acknowledging their mental health struggles.
For example, in parts of South Asia, there is a deep-seated stigma around mental illness.
A 2017 study found that nearly 80% of people in India with mental health issues did not seek treatment, largely due to fear of being ostracized .
This highlights how cultural stigma can prevent individuals from accessing much-needed care.
Cultural beliefs about illness
Cultural beliefs about the causes of mental illness also influence how it is understood and treated.
In some cultures, mental illness is viewed through a spiritual or religious lens.
In certain African and Caribbean communities, for example, mental health problems may be attributed to supernatural forces, such as witchcraft or possession by spirits.
This belief can lead to different treatment approaches, such as seeking the help of spiritual healers rather than medical professionals.
In contrast, Western cultures tend to view mental illness through a more biological or psychological framework, focusing on brain chemistry, genetics, or trauma.
This difference in belief systems can affect whether people seek traditional medical treatment or alternative healing practices.
Cultural Factors in Treatment and Therapy
Therapist-client relationship
When it comes to therapy, the therapist-client relationship is one of the most important factors in treatment success.
Cultural sensitivity is crucial in building trust and understanding between the therapist and the client.
For example, if a therapist doesn’t understand the client’s cultural background or dismisses culturally specific symptoms, the client may feel misunderstood or judged.
Research shows that clients are more likely to engage in therapy when their cultural background is respected.
A study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that therapists who incorporated culturally relevant strategies into their sessions had more positive treatment outcomes, especially among ethnic minority clients .
Cultural adaptations in therapy
Given the diverse range of cultural experiences, therapeutic techniques often need to be adapted to meet the unique needs of clients from different backgrounds.
This is known as “culturally adapted therapy.”
For example:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been adapted for use in different cultural settings by incorporating values like community and family into the therapeutic process.
- Mindfulness practices that are based on Eastern philosophies have been integrated into Western therapeutic models to address issues like anxiety and stress.
Limitations of Culturally Sensitive Approaches
While culturally sensitive therapy has many benefits, it’s not without challenges.
One limitation is that cultural differences are complex and varied, even within the same ethnic or racial group.
For example, not every person from an East Asian background will hold the same beliefs or respond to the same therapeutic techniques.
This means therapists must be careful not to rely on stereotypes or oversimplified cultural assumptions.
Additionally, language barriers and limited access to culturally competent therapists can hinder the effectiveness of treatment for individuals from non-dominant cultures.
Ensuring that mental health services are inclusive and accessible remains an ongoing challenge.
Final Thoughts
Abnormal psychology is deeply intertwined with culture.
Culture influences not only how we define and perceive mental illness but also how we diagnose and treat it.
Understanding these cultural factors is crucial for anyone working in mental health or seeking help for themselves.
As our societies become more diverse, recognizing and respecting cultural differences in mental health treatment will help improve outcomes and reduce stigma across the globe.
