Journal of Refugee Studies
Volume 19, Issue 2, 2006, Pages 187-202

Cultural and spiritual constructions of mental distress and associated coping mechanisms of Tibetans in exile: Implications for western interventions (Article)

Ruwanpura E. , Mercer S.W.* , Ager A. , Duveen G.
  • a Social and Developmental Psychology Department, Social and Political Sciences Faculty, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
  • b Section of General Practice and Primary Care, Division of Community-based Sciences, University of Glasgow, 1 Horselethill Road, Glasgow G12 9LX, United Kingdom
  • c Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, Columbia, NY, United States
  • d Social and Developmental Psychology Department, Social and Political Sciences Faculty, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Abstract

The Tibet-TPO project in Dharamsala, North India aims to provide culturally sensitive psychosocial support to Tibetan refugees. In this study we have examined the cultural and spiritual constructions of mental distress of Tibetan exiles from a secondary analysis of previously published data. Tibetans refugees' constructions of mental distress were intimately linked to cultural, religious and political factors. Family and religious support were regarded as key coping strategies, yet many new refugees lacked both family support and detailed knowledge and understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. Not all of those interviewed were positive about 'western approaches' to dealing with mental distress, but those using the service seemed to do so in a pragmatic and integrative way. We conclude that culturally sensitive psychosocial support can usefully 'fill a gap', especially for new refugees who lack both family support and access to, or understanding of, traditional religious coping mechanisms. © 2006 Oxford University Press.

Author Keywords

culture Integration exiles Tibet Mental health Buddhism Torture

Index Keywords

Dharamsala Xizang China Eurasia Far East Asia refugee India religion Himachal Pradesh mental health South Asia Culture coping strategy
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33645861656&doi=10.1093%2fjrs%2ffej018&partnerID=40&md5=26b44d41dde3e6aa619f9bbd5dc13f93
DOI: 10.1093/jrs/fej018
ISSN: 09516328
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English