American Journal of Psychotherapy
Volume 61, Issue 1, 2007, Pages 83-98

Expression and treatment of depression among haitian immigrant women in the United States: Clinical observations (Article)

Nicolas G.* , Desilva A.M. , Subrebost K.L. , Breland-Noble A. , Gonzalez-Eastep D. , Manning N. , Prosper V. , Prater K.
  • a Boston College, Lynch School of Education, Campion Hall 305B, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
  • b [Affiliation not available]
  • c [Affiliation not available]
  • d Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, H Seton Hall, South Orange, NJ, United States
  • e [Affiliation not available]
  • f [Affiliation not available]
  • g [Affiliation not available]
  • h [Affiliation not available]

Abstract

Existing research demonstrates that culture has a profound impact on the expression and manifestation of mental illness, especially on depressive disorders among ethnically diverse populations. Currently, little research has focused on the Haitian population, despite the growing number of Haitians living in the United States. This paper discusses clinical observations of the expression of depression among Haitian immigrant women living in the United States. Specifically, this paper examines three distinctive types of depression (pain in the body, relief through God, and fighting a winless battle), explains their symptoms, and provides case examples to illustrate the expression of each type of depression. Additionally, the paper describes treatment processes for each type of depression and makes recommendations to mental health providers with respect to each type of depression. The information provided in this paper highlights the importance of a more systematic and scientific investigation of depression among Haitian women, men, and youths in the United States.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

cultural anthropology depression psychological aspect human middle aged Ethnic Groups ethnic group pain Depressive Disorder cognitive therapy ethnology religion psychotherapy Haiti United States Humans case report female Religion and Psychology psychoanalysis Psychoanalytic Therapy Article adult migration Emigration and Immigration Somatoform Disorders somatoform disorder Culture
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34347204460&partnerID=40&md5=3bae03d9c9908352f9302375182c2f0e
ISSN: 00029564
Cited by: 22
Original Language: English