Chinese Perspectives on Culture and Mental Health

Abstract

Central to providing culturally appropriate nursing care is sensitivity to and knowledge about the group being cared for. Although "mental health" and "mental illness" are artificial concepts among people who do not differentiate and treat mind, body, and spirit separately, and who may not differentiate illness from other problems of living, many individuals ethnically rooted in one or more Asian cultures enter Western mental health care systems. Quality nursing care requires understanding and respect for traditional values, beliefs, and practices that may differ significantly from those typical of Western European-based societies. Whether clients are traditional in orientation or highly acculturated to Western ways, nurses are responsible for providing culturally appropriate care. This article discusses mental health and nursing care from various perspectives of Asian and Asian-American clients, and in particular those of Chinese descent.

Mental Illness and Families in Contemporary Hong Kong: an Ethnography of Mental Illness and Chinese Families in Hong Kong at the Time of Transition of Sovereignty

“…The family is not only subject to social rejection and isolation, but also is shamed by the identification of a mentally ill member (Kuo & Kavanagh, 1994). Thus, the sick individuals are not the only ones affected by the social stigma.…”

“…The ideal person fulfils societal obligations with grace and dignity. Self-esteem involves a psychosocial homeostasis focused on meeting the expectations associated with culturally defined roles (Kuo & Kavanagh, 1994). Due to the emphasis on family, personal actions reflect not only the individual but also the entire family, including past, present and future generations.…”

“…Chinese idealise the father-son alliance, which provides the basic model for many relationships, e.g., that between employers and employees (Kuo & Kavanagh, 1994). The ideal person fulfils societal obligations with grace and dignity.…”

“…"Proper" social interactions are one illustration of these roles. In addition to filial obligations, the child should strive to achieve and honour parents' expectations (Kuo & Kavanagh, 1994). Traditionally being a patriarchal society (Ho, 1987),…”

Chinese mental illness narratives: Controlling the spirit

“…That culture can and should shape the public health message is well recognized today (Chiu 1987;Kuo and Kavanagh 1994;Witte and Morrison 1995;MacDonald 1998;Bhui and Rüdell 2002;Garcés 2002). A public health message that fails to consider culture is at great risk of failing to communicate its intended message (Gallois and Callan 1997).…”