Cultural Syndromes in a Changing World: A Longitudinal Investigation of Brazilian Jeitinho Social Problem-Solving Strategies

We report a longitudinal study of Jeitinho brasileiro (salient cultural characteristic of Brazil) during a period of significant political instability. Previous historical and anthropological sources have pointed to the importance of political instability for cultural changes in behaviors such as jeitinho. We are the first to examine possible individual-level dynamics over time, reporting a 3-year longitudinal study ( N = 205) of two dimensions that differentiate keeping a socially pleasant social climate ( simpatia) from trickery and breaking social norms. Using longitudinal network analysis, we found (a) reinforcing links between behavioral nodes within each of these two jeitinho clusters over time, (b) few between-cluster links, (c) within-person and between-person components were distinct, and (d) only the between-person structure resembled the overall factor structure. Overall, our data show that cultural behaviors are systematically changing during a political crisis, offering first insights how cultural systems may change via shifts in individual behavior.

Mental Health and Psychopathology

Chapter 15 explores the ways culture shapes the perceptions, diagnosis, causes, and treatment of mental health issues. It discusses abnormal behavior criteria; cultural syndromes such as hwa-byung and hikikomori; universal mental disorders such as schizophrenia, alcoholism, and suicide; the connection between culture and depression; and cross-cultural comparisons of depression. It addresses treatment of psychological disorders and mental health issues and Western and indigenous healing approaches. Also covered are minority, migrant, and refugee mental health experiences; obstacles to treatment such as language and cultural value barriers; and improvements in mental health care for vulnerable groups. This chapter includes a case study, Culture Across Disciplines box, chapter summary, key terms, a What Do Other Disciplines Do? section, thought-provoking questions, and class and experiential activities.

Universalities and Idiosyncrasies in Self-Concept: East-West and North-South

Self-concept has been crucial to the description of human beings since ancient times. Different authors have offered definitions and approaches to the study of the self. Many instruments have been developed to measure this multi-faceted construct. However, there is great difficulty in using definitions and instruments developed in one ecosystem to describe the peoples from different cultures. In order to include the universals and idiosyncrasies of the self, a model that takes culture into account is needed. The purpose of this article is to compare the cognitive, emotional, and motivational aspects of the self-concept in different countries representing the east-west and north-south axis, such as Mexico, Peru, Japan, China, United States and Chile, from a psycho-socio-cultural point of view. The paradigm for this purpose included descriptions and comparisons based on Hofstede´s cultural syndromes, as well as an overview of some instruments that have been used to measure the construct. The discussion focuses on the importance of considering culture to understand the meanings of this construct, placing emphasis on the methodological tools derived from the theoretical orientation and the attentions that must be had when making cross-cultural comparisons, be it Between countries and even within the same country. This means that we must not forget the aspects shared by cultures in the relationship with oneself (etic), but we must forget about the particular aspects (emic) or idiosyncratic aspects, which are what are finally given by the particularities to self-concept.

The cultural syndrome "individualism-collectivism" and its psychological peculiarities including well-being of regional communities' representatives in Ukraine

The study of the psychological components of the cultural stratum of Ukrainian mentality in general and of its regional peculiarities is quite important today, taking into account the peculiarities of social processes in the Ukrainian state and the transformation of the modern Ukrainians' consciousness. Particular attention is drawn to the cultural syndromes due to the great applicational value of a detailed study of their features among the representatives of the country's regional communities. It allows to distinguish the key features for depicting the psychological portraits of personalities of the regional communities' representatives. The results of the study help to systematize knowledge in the quantitative measurements of the cultural syndrome "individualism-collectivism" and to fill the gaps in ethnometric researches in Ukraine. It broadens the understanding of the structure and temporal dynamics of this cultural syndrome, its dependence on such factors as the age, the gender and the religiosity of personality. A practical application of the obtained results may include their use in psychological and pedagogical work, in business and cultural contacts, in interethnic communication, etc. In general, the results of the study are the basis for expanding the study of the psychological characteristics of the political consciousness of Ukrainians, which we intend to carry out in the future. This study will help to create a strategy for changing the worldview and behavioral patterns of Ukrainian society in order to allow effective counteraction to attempts of manipulations with human rights and personal freedom of people on the basis of their weakness (ignorance of modern features of important aspects of social existence and limited worldview). Also, the results can be used to help to create, to disseminate and to develop effectively regional projects of non-governmental organizations, international social, psychological and political projects, local self-government bodies, local and regional communities, regional initiatives, etc.

“Bouffée Délirante” Induced by Meditation

IntroductionMeditation is frequently applied in Western as well as non-Western countries for different purposes; we know little about adverse events. The symptomatology of a meditation-related psychosis appears to show similarities with that we call “bouffée delirante”.MethodsA female patient is described who developed an acute and transient psychosis with polymorphic symptomatology after meditating (Bikram-yoga). We made a literature search for psychotic states related to meditation.ResultsThere are some case reports of psychosis disorder induced by meditation. Some cultural syndromes like Qi-gong appear on DSM-IV as psychotic reaction. In this case, the syndrome is not culture bound.ConclusionsMeditation can act as a stressor in vulnerable patients who may develop a transient psychosis with polymorphic symptomatology (confusion, pananxiety, mood swings and mood dystonic psychotic symptoms) with a short duration.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.