By Tara Chareonsilp - Thailand
Introduction
As psychology originated from the Western world, Eurocentrism has largely impacted it. This bias can be unveiled in how mental disorders are being diagnosed and treated. It is critical to emphasize these manifestations and investigate the impact Western ideologies have had on people’s mental health. Moreover, it is vital to recognize the demand for change in the field of psychology so it can integrate more accurately into society regardless of cultural differences.
Eurocentrism in Diagnosis and Treatment
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a used tool for diagnosing illnesses, has faced criticism for its potential racial biases. Studies have uncovered concerning trends where African American boys are disproportionately diagnosed with conduct disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other behavioral disorders compared to their representation in the population (Ker, 2013). This disparity can be attributed to Eurocentric standards of behavior employed by teachers, physicians, and mental health professionals, which may result in rushed diagnoses. Experts argue that African-American boys are more likely to receive these diagnoses due to the influence of Eurocentric norms (Ker, 2013). Notably, studies conducted by Joseph White, showed that he spent much of his career and life pointing out that the main assumptions of psychology were overwhelmingly Eurocentric (Joseph White: The Godfather of Black Psychology, 2022). These Eurocentric views were thus supposed to be universal and, as such, applied without modification to people of other cultural backgrounds, with the predictable outcome of portraying them adversely (Davis, 2013).
It is often overlooked how racism and discrimination can significantly impact the well-being of individuals during the process of diagnosing and treating their conditions. By neglecting these factors, there is a risk of diagnoses and an inclination to view issues without considering the larger social context (Penn, 2005). Recent long-term studies have highlighted the connection between perceived discrimination, symptoms of depression, and behavioral challenges in young people. Similar research with youth has shown that experiences of cultural marginalization contribute to feelings of depression (Penn, 2005). These studies underscore the pressing need for an approach to diagnosis and treatment that's culturally sensitive, recognizing the realities faced by individuals from non-Western backgrounds.
Attempts of Merging Cultures/Religion in Psychology
Historically, psychology is a more Western practice, so the basic concepts and case studies used to form the foundation of psychology will be more Eurocentric. However, the problem arises as psychology becomes more widely implemented in different cultures. The significance of culture is that societal norms differ by country/region. This begs the question “If something is normal in one culture but not another, is it considered abnormal?”. Moreover, if something is abnormal, do we need to “fix it”? Many have considered “branches” of psychology to fit different cultures. One example is Hisham Abu-Raiya (2015) who developed the Qur'an-Based Psychotherapy Model. This model aims to treat psychological problems by taming the evil and empowering the divine side. Abu-Raiya built a personality theory on the idea that, from an Islamic perspective, the human soul consists of divine and evil aspects. Another illustration is Religious Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which incorporates existentialist, humanistic, and cognitive theories while also considering Islamic principles (Rajaei, 2013).
Similarly, treatments based on Christian faith principles have been incorporated into psychotherapy practices in various ways. Pastoral and Christian treatments, for example, are frequently utilized in marriage counseling and are founded on divine revelation and theological reflection (Mutter, 2013). Many people have criticized these tactics. Psychology continuously attempts to deviate from the pseudo-science stereotype and integrate more into the natural sciences. Whilst we live in a world where religion and science play important roles in our society, they won’t be able to fully align themselves with each other. Because science is regarded as truth and religion is known as faith, both fundamentals frequently contradict each other. These branches of psychology that apply religion contradict each other, causing uncertainty and disapproval within the psychology world (Mutter, 2013).
Importance of Science in Psychology
We must strive to make psychology more scientific because it enormously affects people's lives. As mental health issues grow increasingly common in society, the importance of scientific approaches in psychology becomes even more apparent. Mental illness, like any other sickness, can be harmful to a person; it may impact every aspect of your life and fester into something detrimental. Since patients with mental illness are vulnerable, psychologists must have the necessary tools and information to treat them. This compromises holistic concepts like cultural diversity, but is it justifiable?
Conclusion
In essence, cultural significance influences an individual’s perception of the world (their schema), which makes it necessary to alter psychology to accommodate cultural differences. Highlighting the importance of studying cultural determinants, information, and maintenance of mental disorders. Recognizing how Eurocentrism manifests itself and its impact on individuals and institutions is crucial for fostering an approach to mental health that promotes equity for all. Transforming Eurocentric psychology involves developing paradigms and models that authentically represent the realities and experiences of marginalized groups (Rathod et al. 2010) Furthermore, it is crucial for the field to actively participate in education and research to improve their understanding of cultures. This will allow professionals to address the health needs of communities better.
Bibliography
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Mutter, Kelvin. "Pastoral and Christian Marital Therapies: Complementary and Divergent Traditions." Research Gate, 5 Jan. 2013, www.researchgate.net/publication/309489201_Pastoral_and_Christian_marital_therapies_Complementary_and_divergent_traditions. Accessed 12 Dec. 2023.
Rathod, Shanaya, David Kingdon, Peter Phiri, and Mary Gobbi. "Developing Culturally Sensitive Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis for Ethnic Minority Patients by Exploration and Incorporation of Service Users' and Health Professionals' Views and Opinions." Cambridge University Press, 7 Dec. 2010, www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/developing-culturally-sensitive-cognitive-behaviour-therapy-for-psychosis-for-ethnic-minority-patients-by-exploration-and-incorporation-of-service-users-and-health-professionals-views-and-opinions/49CD2BBF7D20BBD87FD0414EA8496A6D. Accessed 12 Dec. 2023.
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