Research and Practice in Non-Western Cultures

Research and Practice in Non-Western Cultures: The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Mental Health reviews the current ethnocentric approach in mental health research and practice and presents issues that need to be considered for non-Western cultures.

The book is organized into three sections that progressively describe the development of Western paradigms in mental health, their implicit application to non-Western cultures, and the need for developing a less ethnocentric paradigm. The first section provides readers with a greater understanding of how ethnocentrism has become so embedded in Western and non-Western mental health, as well as an overview of Western psychological perspectives. The second section details current issues in the implementation of Western approaches to research and practice, including the issues of research bias and the relevance of Western practice models. The final section looks to the future and introduces community-based research and practice as an example of an alternative approach that could be adopted in a paradigm shift.

Research and Practice in Non-Western Cultures is ideal for undergraduate and graduate-level global mental health, diversity, and cultural clinical psychology courses. It is part of the Cognella Series on Advances in Culture, Race, and Ethnicity. The series, co-sponsored by Division 45 of the American Psychological Association, addresses critical and emerging issues within culture, race, and ethnic studies, as well as specific topics among various multicultural groups.

A Statement from the Author in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month 2023

"If we are to raise awareness of mental health this month, we must focus more attention on the mental health needs of non-Western cultures. Though they comprise most of the world’s population, our knowledge of their mental health needs is minimal. Our knowledge is limited by scarce research data, but more importantly, by ethnocentrism, which is the tendency to view other cultures through our lenses and to believe that Western standards are universal and superior. As a result, our knowledge of non-Western cultures is based on research conducted by mostly Western researchers utilizing Western methodologies with Western populations.

Ethnocentrism also impacts mental health practice in non-Western cultures. Western treatment approaches dominate psychotherapy and counseling around the world. Their use continues to grow, despite concerns about their relevance for non-Western cultures, due to the urgent need non-Western cultures have for mental health services. Climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, international migration, and globalization have exacerbated mental health needs. Yet, most do not receive any treatment, and services that are available are underutilized, in part because Western models do not adequately address cultural factors. If we do not address ethnocentrism in mental health, the potential for inaccurate knowledge and mental health disparities in non-Western cultures will continue to grow. During Mental Health Awareness Month, let us reflect on how ethnocentrism has impacted our understanding of mental health in the majority of the world’s population and commit to shifting to a mental health paradigm that is relevant for all cultures."