Indigenous perspectives on depression in rural regions of India and the United States

Bibliographic Data

ID2394865
AuthorsJason A Nieuwsma (0000-0003-0856-1913, Duke University Medical Center; Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, corresponding author), Carolyn M Pepper (0000-0002-2580-1985, University of Wyoming), Danielle J Maack (0000-0001-9168-6519, University of Mississippi Medical Center), Denis G Birgenheir (University of Wyoming)
Year2011
Volume48
Issue5
Pages539-568
Publication date2011-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTranscultural Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-4615 • E-ISSN: 1461-7471
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1363461511419274
PMID22021105
OpenAlexW2010913791
LanguageEN
Citations received16
References cited53

Depression is a major health concern in India, yet indigenous Indian perspectives on depression have often been disregarded in favor of Western conceptualizations. The present study used quantitative and qualitative measures modeled on the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) to elicit beliefs about the symptoms, causes, treatments, and stigma associated with depression. Data were collected from 92 students at a university in the Himalayan region of Northern India and from 97 students at a university in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. U.S. participants in this study were included primarily to approximate a "Western baseline" (in which professional conceptions of depression are predominantly rooted) from which to elucidate Indian perspectives. Compared to U.S. participants, Indian participants were more likely to view restive symptoms (e.g., irritation, anxiety, difficulty thinking) as common features of depression, to view depression as the result of personally controllable causes (e.g., failure), to endorse social support and spiritual reflection or relaxation (e.g., yoga, meditation) as useful means for dealing with depression, and to associate stigma with depression. Efforts aimed at reducing depression among Indians should focus more on implementing effective and culturally acceptable interventions, such as yoga, meditation, and increasing social support

Anxiety · Emic and etic · Explanatory model · Focus group · Geography · Indigenous · Meditation · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Sociology · Anthropology · Clinical Psychology · Community Health and Development · Cultural Differences and Values · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Psychology