The assessment of Indigenous Australians presenting with affective disorders : advances, challenges and future directions
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(Published version)
Date
2009
Authors
Grypma, Panagiota
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thesis
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Abstract
There are a number of social determinants which place Indigenous people at high risk of developing psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. Socio-economic disadvantage, substandard housing, loss of identity, and a lack of employment and educational opportunities are among the well-known factors that are contributing to the health inequalities experienced by Indigenous people today, many of which can be argued to be associated with the long-term consequences of colonisation. Research examining the nature and extent of psychological injury within Indigenous populations has been hampered by a lack of culturally validated methodologies upon which effective assessment procedures and interventions may be developed. Tracy Westerman (2002, 2003, 2004), an Indigenous Psychologist, has proposed a rigorous and extensive application of Clinical Psychological theory, adapted to accommodate cultural factors in the understanding of Indigenous mental health. Indigenous academic Judy Atkinson (2002, 2007) and other researchers also provide insights into the complexities of Indigenous mental health from the perspective of disciplines such as Anthropology, Sociology and Indigenous epistemologies. Mainstream approaches within Psychology and Psychiatry have based the assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association) which is assumed to have universal validity and applicability. Although Westerman (2002) proposes a more extended application of clinical psychological theory and practice that takes Indigenous culture into account, this thesis explores the extent to which Westerman's (2002, 2003, 2004) theorisation remains embedded within Western frameworks for understanding Indigenous mental health. It is suggested that a critical analysis of the conceptual and theoretical foundations of clinical psychological theory and practice is required in order to facilitate the development of a model for a cross-cultural approach to psychological assessment and therapy with Indigenous Australians. A flexible model of psychological practice is proposed, incorporating critical cross-cultural perspectives in the assessment of Indigenous clients with affective disorders.
School/Discipline
David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research.
David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research.
David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research.
Dissertation Note
Thesis (MArts)--University of South Australia, 2009.
Provenance
Copyright 2009 Panagiota Grypma
Description
EN-AUS
1 ethesis (72 pages) :
illustrations
Includes bibliographical references (pages 63-72)
1 ethesis (72 pages) :
illustrations
Includes bibliographical references (pages 63-72)
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506 0#$fstar $2Unrestricted online access