Different regions tend to hold unique values that are not present in other cultures around the world. As a result, certain health concerns only exist in specific regions in greater prevalence. In particular, although mental disorders are present in all societies around the world, their frequencies vary depending on the cultural connotations (Conner et al., 2019). As such, what may be viewed as normal behavior in one culture may be a mental illness in another.
Firstly, Taijin kyofusho is an illustration of a common health issue in Japan, which exists as an anxiety disorder (Richey et al., 2020). It is typically marked by the fear of offending others, along with body odor and appearance. In particular, this disorder is an Asian social phobia characterized by people making gaffe when performing or speaking in public. Therefore, Taijin kyofusho may be considered as a form of social phobia by other cultures that are highly sensitive to other people’s feelings. Secondly, koro is another example of a health issue that is only common in China and Southeast Asia. It is a mental issue associated with people’s fear that their sexual organs could be shrinking or disappearing (Ntouros et al., 2010). Notably, the mental concern is sometimes triggered by anxiety, and as a result, it spreads through panic. Lastly, communities that conduct animated conversations with the dead might be considered as mentally ill in other cultures. However, such behavior is likely to be viewed as desirable and healthy by the practicing community.
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In summary, it is indubitably clear that culture can shape how people view other cultural practices. In other words, a normal practice in one community might be viewed as a health concern by another society. However, some of these issues are only prevalent in a particular culture as a result of diverse environmental and cultural practices.
References
Conner, A. L., Boles, D. Z., Markus, H. R., Eberhardt, J. L., & Crum, A. J. (2019). Americans’
health mindsets: content, cultural patterning, and associations with physical and mental health. Annals of Behavioral Medicine , 53 (4), 321-332. https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kay041
Ntouros, E., Ntoumanis, A., Bozikas, V. P., Donias, S., Giouzepas, I., & Garyfalos, G. (2010).
Koro-like symptoms in two Greek men. Case Reports , 2010 . https://doi. 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0679
Richey, L. N., Krieg, A., & Rao, V. (2020). Culture-bound Syndrome. Culture , 2 , 25.
