Abstract
The present paper discusses the role of culture in understanding and treating psychopathology. It describes new perspectives on the conceptualization of psychopathology and on the definition of culture, and how these are intertwined. The impacts of culture, explicit and implicit discrimination, and minority stress on mental health are reviewed, especially in the current era. Culturally-sensitive assessment practices in psychopathology are emphasized, including addressing the multiple cultural identities of the patient, the explanatory models of the experienced distress, specific psychosocial stressors and strengths, and the cultural features of the practitioner-patient relationship in the clinical encounter. The particular case of psychotherapy in working with culturally diverse patients is explored. Finally, mainstreaming of culture in research and clinical training in psychopathology is highlighted, acknowledging that each clinical interaction is a cultural one.
Highlights
Specialty section: This article was submitted to Psychopathology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry
The present paper discusses the role of culture in understanding and treating psychopathology
Most treatments or interventions in face of psychopathology require the recognition of their historical roots in specific cultural perspectives, as culture shapes psychotherapy models [1] and patient care in psychiatry, influencing every moment and every process in patient narratives of their suffering [2]
Summary
Specialty section: This article was submitted to Psychopathology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry. The present paper discusses the role of culture in understanding and treating psychopathology. It is currently widely recognized that it is the cultural context that defines (mal)adjustment of human behavior, which includes how people usually behave, think, feel, and relate in social interactions. It shapes the threshold of distress, and the range and forms of its expressiveness that are acceptable and adaptive. Most treatments or interventions in face of psychopathology require the recognition of their historical roots in specific cultural perspectives, as culture shapes psychotherapy models [1] and patient care in psychiatry, influencing every moment and every process in patient narratives of their suffering [2]. Culture is a key, undeniable current perspective on psychopathology and, for many authors, it has moved to the forefront in the study of psychopathology [4], parallel to the emerging impact of social neuroscience [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
