Depression: Ethno Psychological Themes

Abstract

In this paper, I have focused upon the ethno psychology of depression. The term “ethno psychology” refers to indigenous representations of mind, body, emotion and self. In the past two decades, anthropologists, psychologists and psychiatrists have become increasingly interested in the role of culture for the expression and experience of depression. I shall argue that the constellation of ethno psychological features, deeply rooted in their culture make up of culture members, influences the ways in which individuals experience and express depression, as it does for all emotions.