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Mental Health and Cultural Diversity PTSD - Universally Applicable? Cultural Beliefs, Idioms of Distress and Culture-Bound Syndromes The Role of Religion and Spirituality |
This section examines the role of religion and spirituality in understanding and promoting mental health. The topics covered range from the use of religion as a support or coping mechanism, to understanding the role of spirits in undermining or enhancing mental health. Faith conquers all? Beliefs about the role of religious factors in coping with depression among different cultural-religious groups in the UKLoewenthal, K.M., Cinnirella, M., Evdoka, G., Murphy, P., British Journal of Medical Psychology 2001 Vol. 74:293-303, 2001
This broad study of the effectiveness of religious activity in helping to cope with depression found that some forms of religious activity are used to bolster coping mechanisms, but not to the exclusion of other help seeking methods (social support and medical interventions). Muslims participants were relatively more likely to believe in the efficacy of religious mechanisms than other religious groups.
Religious and Ethnic Group Influences on Beliefs about Mental Illness: A Qualitative Interview StudyLoewenthal, K., Cinirella, M., 1999
Reporting the results of a study of 52 female participants of Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Christian faith, this paper highlights the importance of taking the role of religion and religious leaders into consideration when deciding upon mental health interventions.
Black Families Survival Strategies: Ways of Coping in UK SocietyJoseph Rowntree Foundation, 1997
Based on research with more than 200 Black and Minority Ethnic people, this study touches upon the importance of spirituality as a coping mechanism that promotes mental well-being
UNHCR/WHOThe Mental Health of Refugees1996
This comprehensive manual is written primarily for relief workers, community workers, primary health care workers, primary school teachers and others who provide support to refugees and other displaced persons who have fled war or disaster. These personnel may be working for international organizations such as UNHCR, WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies or other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) active in this field. The whole of the manual will be relevant to many workers while others, according to their responsibilities, will find parts of it useful. It is written in simple language and the reader does not need special training in psychology or mental health. Health professionals may also find it useful, particularly as an aid for training and supervising others.
MIND: guide to spiritual practices
This online booklet is a practical guide to things that people can do to explore and express their spirituality, whatever that may be. It also looks at spirituality in relation to mental wellbeing, and highlights the benefits, as well as the possble pitfalls, which it might bring.
Religion and RefugeesKemp, C.
General introduction to the interaction between religious beliefs and health
EthnomedDeath: The Cross-Cultural Context
Cultural Diversity and Mental HealthJames, S., Prilleltensky, I., Clinical Psychology Review 2002 vol. 22, no. 8, pp. 1133-1154(22), 2002
The last section of this paper touches upon the essence of spirituality and its implications for 'western' diagnostic techniques.
Spiritual agencies role in health and healingHonwana, A , in 'Refugee Experience-Psychosocial Training Module' Loughry, M., Ager, A (eds), 2001
An analysis of the role of spirits in the mental well-being and illnesses of refugee communities in developing countries.
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