Abnormal behavior patterns across cultures: Implications for counseling and psychotherapy

Abstract

The results of epidemiological, clinical, and cross-cultural studies of psychopathology are reviewed. They point to a moderate, but not unlimited impact of cultural factors upon psychiatric symptoms and other related manifestations. These differences are principally quantitative and not qualitative. No support is provided for the extreme cultural relativist position in abnormal psychology. The gap remains to be bridged between the recognition of the importance of cultural factors in shaping psychopathology and the practical application of these insights in the practice of counseling. Preliminary ideas to this end are formulated and advanced.