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Culture and mental health: Towards cultural competence in mental health delivery by

Temitope Ogundare

Thinley Dema

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Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Khesar Gyalpo University of

Medical Sciences of Bhutan

TGL 301: Trauma, Grief and Loss

Dr. Ugyen Wangmo

15th November 2023

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Culture and Mental Health: Towards Cultural Competence in Mental Health Delivery

Summary

Temitope Ogundare's article emphasizes the critical significance of culture in mental

health, notably its impact on how people express distress, are diagnosed, and receive treatment in

different cultural contexts. Cultural competence is essential for mental health providers that serve

heterogeneous patient populations to avoid misdiagnosis, stereotyping, and healthcare inequities.

The article emphasizes that culture is more than just ethnic or national identification; it also

includes shared practices, language, habits, and beliefs that impact people's perspectives on

health. Cultural variables can function as both triggers and moderators of psychopathology,

influencing how mental disorders manifest and how people seek help.

The paper also critiques contemporary diagnostic systems, such as the DSM, for being

ethnocentric and imposing Western conceptions of normality and abnormality. It defines

"culture-bound syndromes" and asks why Western concepts of mental disease should take

primacy. Recent study has revealed that some of these diseases are not unique to certain

societies, calling the concept of cultural exclusivity into question. The DSM-V introduces

"cultural concepts of distress" (CCD) to recognize the diverse ways different cultures experience

and express distress, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and addressing social inequalities

contributing to mental disorders.

In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of cultural competence in mental

health service delivery, emphasizing the need for healthcare professionals, receptionists, and

administrators to be culturally competent. This involves recognizing that culture is a dynamic

and ongoing process rather than a one-time training. By respecting and understanding cultural
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context in mental health care, better patient outcomes and a more comprehensive approach to

mental health treatment can be achieved.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the paper, what is the primary impact of culture on mental health?

A. Culture primarily determines the biological causes of mental disorders.

B. Culture has no significant impact on mental health outcomes.

C. Culture influences how individuals express symptoms, cope with psychological

challenges, and seek treatment.

D. Culture is only relevant in diagnosing physical health issues, not mental health.

Answer: C

2. What are the Three Domains of Multicultural Competence?

A. Awareness, Knowledge, and Skills

B. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

C. Genetics, Environment, and Lifestyle

D. Mind, Body, and Spirit

Answer: A

3. What are some potential consequences of misdiagnosis due to cultural bias in mental

health treatment?

A. Delayed recovery and increased healthcare costs

B. Improved patient outcomes and enhanced compliance

C. Reduced stigma and increased access to care

D. None of the above. Answer: A

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Reference

Ogundare T. (2019). Culture and mental health: Towards cultural competence in mental health

delivery. J Health Soc Sci. 2020;5(1):023-034