Perceptions of Mental Illness in America and Tanzania: Combining Modern and Traditional cultures
Open Access
- Author:
- Thieman, Jackie
- Area of Honors:
- Biobehavioral Health
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Collins O Airhihenbuwa, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. Lori Anne Francis, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Mental health
Culture
Perceptions
Traditional
Modern
Tanzania
United States of America
Intervention - Abstract:
- Mental health has often been a neglected field of study, especially compared to physical health. However, more focus and attention on mental health is crucial, as mental illnesses are projected to increase dramatically, i.e. depression, in the nearing future worldwide. Mental illness varies globally; therefore culture plays a significant role in defining numerous mental disorders. It is imperative to understand other cultures in order to combat mental illness around the world and reach optimal health. In particular, modern and traditional cultures have differing views on what constitutes a mental illness and the appropriate treatments for the illness. In this thesis, cultural perceptions are analyzed and compared in the United States of America (a developed country representing modern cultures) and Tanzania (a developing country embodying traditional cultures). Through these conceptions of mental illness observed in both cultures, the apparent distinctiveness calls attention to the importance of recognizing other cultures, as well as combining modern and traditional cultures to attain optimum mental health. The presumption that developed nations can only help developing nations, rather than vice versa, is challenged here. Furthermore, to successfully and efficiently combine cultures, culturally appropriate interventions must be conducted. An example of one such intervention is demonstrated in this thesis, emphasizing the formation of trust and cultural communication. Cultural perceptions of mental health greatly impact mental disorders, creating both positive and negative health outcomes. As exemplified in this thesis, merging modern and traditional cultures, and essentially learning from one another, has the potential to reverse mental illness trends for the future.