Exploring the Concept and Determinants of Mental Health of the Tibetan Community in Exile: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: Globally, the focus on mental health (MH) issues has become increasingly\nimportant in recent years. However, current Western approaches based on the\nDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V), have fuelled\na contentious debate concerning how modern society should treat mental\ndisturbance. The British Psychological Society (BPS) suggests a ‘paradigm shift’\nwithin the field of MH, and calls for alternative conceptual approaches away from\nthe current ‘disease model’. Furthermore, academic literature reveals a massive\nimbalance and narrow scope of understanding within Western psychology\nconcerning indigenous approaches to MH. Buddhist ideas have recently become\nmore popular in Western societies, with some suggesting the relationship\nbetween religious belief and well-being requires further consideration.\nBuddhism is an integral component of MH within the Tibetan Community in\nExile (TCiE). However, the Tibetan concept of MH appears complex and not\nclearly defined. Research therefore explored the concept and determinants\nof MH of the TCiE. Applying a qualitative interpretative phenomenological\napproach, eight key informant interviewees were purposively selected to reflect\nan informed expertise from areas such as medicine, religion, and government.\nA cultural congruence framework was used to gain a grounded, deeper\nunderstanding of data. While findings suggest there is technically no medical\ndefinition, a concept of MH exists based on Buddhist psychology, also referred\nto as ‘Mind Science’. Results offer a scientifically holistic model of MH and an\nalternative conceptual model as called for by the BPS. In a pivotal moment in\nWestern MH, findings may provide a vital tool for achieving progress in global\nMH care.
Author: Ciarán Tobin
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2490225250