Ethnographic methods, cultural context, and mental illness: Bridging different ways or knowing and experience

Journal/Book: Ethos. 1997; 25: 4350 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 640, Arlington, VA 22203. Amer Anthropological Assoc. 249-258.

Abstract: A self-perpetuating cycle of mutual noninteraction among anthropologists, program representatives, and scientific peer reviewers has led to the near absence of ethnography in the NIMH research portfolio. The ensuing inattention to the context and meaning of findings emanating from memory supported by this agency has had enormous, bur seldom appreciated consequences. This commentary illustrates lessons learned in the course of integrating ethnographic, diagnostic, and epidemiologic techniques to study mental health problems among American Indians and Alaska Natives. These lessons demonstrate the benefits to be gained by building bridges across different ways of knowing, in terms of disciplines as well as cultures.

Note: Article Manson SM, Univ Colorado, Hlth Sci Ctr, Dept Psychiat, Div Amer Indian & Alaska Native Programs, Denver,CO 80220 USA

Keyword(s): DIAGNOSIS

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