Globalisation is imposing Western views of mental health

doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7507.0-e

BMJ 2005;331 (2 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7507.0-e

Globalisation is imposing Western views of mental health

Globalisation is resulting in inappropriate domination by theWestern view of mental health, yet child psychiatrists in theWest could gain valuable new knowledge from examining childcarepractices across the world, argues Timimi on p 37. She warnsthat a Western value system that promotes individualism, weakenssocial ties, and creates ambivalence towards children couldadversely affect children's mental health. On the other hand,values found in many non-Western cultures, such as duty, responsibility,and a community orientation, may promote psychiatric wellbeing.