Implications of culture of honor theory and research for practitioners and prevention researchers

Bibliographic Data

ID5840973
AuthorsPelin Gul (0000-0002-1856-2744), Susan E Cro (0000-0002-9368-4397), Ayse K Uskul (0000-0001-8013-9931)
Year2020
Volume76
Issue3
Pages502-515
Publication date2020-09-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Psychologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0003-066X • E-ISSN: 1935-990X
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1037/amp0000653
PMID32914994
OpenAlexW3034431642
LanguageEN
Citations received23
References cited1

Since the seminal publication of Nisbett and Cohen in 1996 linking the higher rates of violence in the Southern U.S. compared to the Northern U.S. to a "culture of honor," researchers have paid increasing attention to conceptualizing honor and identifying its underlying psychological mechanisms and its behavioral outcomes.The concern for reputation and other values embedded in culture of honor act as potential sociocultural risk factors for several major social problems in the U.S. The aim of this article is to review the recent research on culture of honor and to discuss its societal implications by focusing on three pressing social problems: intimate partner aggression, school violence, and reluctance to seek mental health care.Relative to Whites in northern states, White populations in the southern and western states (considered to have cultures of honor) have higher levels of intimate partner violence, more school shootings, and are less likely to seek mental health care.We also briefly review the incidence of these issues among American Latinx groups, another culture of honor.We suggest ways that the scientific findings on culture of honor can enhance prevention and intervention efforts in education, health, and mental health care settings.Public significance statement: Public significance statement: In this article, we review recent research on cultures of honor in the U.S. context summarizing evidence which suggests that reputation concerns underlying cultures of honor can act as a potential sociocultural risk factor for intimate partner violence, school shootings, and poor mental health.Additionally, we suggest tools for researchers and practitioners to become better prepared to combat and prevent violence and promote positive mental health in their communities

Honor · Gun Ownership and Violence Research · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

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