Date of Award:

5-2011

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Melanie M. Domenech-Rodríguez

Committee

Melanie M. Domenech-Rodríguez

Committee

Susan L. Crowley

Committee

Renée Galliher

Committee

Sherry Marx

Committee

LuAnn Helms

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly important for clinical and counseling psychologists to have multicultural competence skills for treating an increasingly diverse client population. The psychology literature related to culturally competent treatment with persons of Middle Eastern descent is currently limited. In this study, qualitative methodology was utilized to explore the mental health attitudes and psychotherapy experiences of clients of Middle Eastern descent. Participants described culturally influenced mental health attitudes. Major themes included the severity of stigma associated with mental illness, the importance of family in responding to mental illness, and the process of grieving in Middle Eastern cultures. Study findings suggest that culture influenced the experience of counseling and psychotherapy for these participants. Cultural identity and family dynamics played an important role in the therapy experiences of study participants. The therapists‟ ability to understand cultural identity and family dynamics was related to treatment acceptance and efficacy for these clients. Recommendations for culturally competent therapy with persons of Middle Eastern descent are provided in terms of attitudes, knowledge, and skills.

Checksum

bad89ffe4d291344ed46a5716323b0c3

Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on May 11, 2011.

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