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Cross-cultural psychology—Research and applications
Book Reviews
359
different than that seen in adults, the degree to which disorders seen in children are predictive of later problems, and the relationship between disorders as seen through the generations in families, emphasizing again and again how little is in fact known about the prevalence, etiology, course, comorbidity and prognosis of these disorders. To take one example, in his thoughtful chapter on the relationship between separation anxiety in children and agoraphobia in adults, Thyer analyzes the studies that have attempted to document this relationship, considers the different research strategies that have been used, and shows that the connection that has often been hypothesized between these two disorders is very hard to demonstrate empirically. Similarly, according to Torgersen's analysis of genetic data, genetic factors clearly seem to play a role in predisposing people to anxiety disorders, but the role is a complex one, varying from disorder to disorder and related to depression as well as anxiety. A thorough and interesting chapter by Beidel and Stanley explores the complexities of measuring anxiety in children and points out the fact that many scales designed to measure childhood anxiety are based on instruments designed for adults. In each of these chapters, as well as the others in this book, the need for further research is emphasized. To sum up, this book provides the clinician with a handy guide to the complex issues of definition and diagnosis raised by the childhood anxiety disorders, and the researcher with a summary of the current state of knowledge. It also illustrates the limits of our knowledge in this complex and fascinating area. PETER HAYWARD
J. W. BERRY, V. H. POORTINGA, M. H. SEGALL and P. R. DASEN: Cross-Cultural Psychology--Research and Applications. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1992). xiv + 459 pp. £45.00 hardback; £19.95 paperback. This book is a companion volume to the same authors' earlier volume Human Behaviour in Global Perspective: An Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology. The earlier volume was aimed as an introduction whereas the present one expands on certain themes with very little overlap between the two. The present volume is divided into three main parts. Following the introductory chapter on cross-cultural psychology containing various definitions, goals of cross-cultural psychology and the role of ethnocentrism which raises every fundamental issue in cross-cultural psychology, the first part of the book deals with similarities and differences in behaviour across cultures. This section contains some of the most useful material in the book--in particular on cultural transmission and development, social behaviour and personality, as well as cognition and perception. This section also discusses national character and national stereotypes. In particular, the chapter on personality, in spite of all the problems associated with personality disorders, offers an interesting insight into the universality of socialization and the impact of environment on such development. The second part of the book deals with research strategies for pursuing problems across cultures, and includes sensible practical advice on approaches and theoretical issues in cross-cultural psychology. Concepts of culture, ethnography, evolution and behaviour genetics as well as ethology are discussed in this section. It also raises methodological concerns about the design of cross-cultural studies and various related theoretical issues. The third part of the book demonstrates applications of research findings across cultures. It contains chapters on ethnic groups, acculturation, health behavaiur and organizations and communication. The authors conclude with a chapter on psychology and the developing world. The book is aimed at undergraduate students but all of us who are interested in the field of cross-cultural issues will find something in it to think about and mull over. The book is lucidly written and the literature review is exhaustive. The main weakness of the book is in the third part where too much emphasis is placed on organizational psychology which may suit occupational psychologists and managers, but will have little appeal for the clinician. This minor quibble apart, this book should be read by all who have any interest in the field and should be easily accessible to psychology and psychiatric trainees. DINESH BHUGRA
UICHOL KIM and JOHN W. BERRY: Indigenous Psychologies--Research and Experience in Cultured Context. Sage, Newbury Park (1993). viii + 296 pp. 'Psychology' has traditionally meant Western psychology, and the underlying assumption has been that the principles and findings of this discipline hold true universally. Cross-cultural psychology has always questioned this assumption and highlighted differences between cultures. In this quite innovative book, contributors from 14 different cultural backgrounds present and discuss their own indigenous or 'native', psychologies, thus reflecting the diversity and wealth of psychological knowledge, concepts and skills that can be gained from attention to these traditions. If premises that have been accepted for decades in modern psychology have been questioned and challenged as a result, then this is indeed what the editors of this book expected to happen. The range of topics covered is broad. It includes: Indian psychology; Mexican ethnopsychology; developing a Filipino psychology; indigenous psychology in Africa; therapeutic aspects of Buddhist psychology; psychology in and of Canada; and humanistic values and concerns in Polish psychology. Pleasingly, the chapters do not conform to a rigid uniformity. Rather, they are diverse and wide-ranging in content and presentation. The introduction, and the final chapter, both jointly written by the two editors, are a major contribution, which define the field and the concepts and categories within it. For the practising therapist, this book offers a perspective other than that of traditional Western psychology. Is such a perspective of any practical value? In the assessment and treatment of clients from cultural backgrounds radically different from the Western, a willingness and an ability to be flexible can only be of help. Equally, such a perspective can help in building theories that may question the universality of behavioural laws. As for specific contributions from indigenous psychology to the practice of psychology in today's world, a lot remains to be done. This is not because there is a paucity of techniques and ideas in the indigenous traditions, but because these need to be evaluated and established as valid. This is a major task, and a challenging and fascinating one. Kim and Berry have made a major contribution to the study of psychology with this volume. Its immediate therapeutic relevance is limited, but it is likely to play a major part in providing the setting conditions for new developments in the application of psychology, including psychological therapies. O. MCGREGOR
359
different than that seen in adults, the degree to which disorders seen in children are predictive of later problems, and the relationship between disorders as seen through the generations in families, emphasizing again and again how little is in fact known about the prevalence, etiology, course, comorbidity and prognosis of these disorders. To take one example, in his thoughtful chapter on the relationship between separation anxiety in children and agoraphobia in adults, Thyer analyzes the studies that have attempted to document this relationship, considers the different research strategies that have been used, and shows that the connection that has often been hypothesized between these two disorders is very hard to demonstrate empirically. Similarly, according to Torgersen's analysis of genetic data, genetic factors clearly seem to play a role in predisposing people to anxiety disorders, but the role is a complex one, varying from disorder to disorder and related to depression as well as anxiety. A thorough and interesting chapter by Beidel and Stanley explores the complexities of measuring anxiety in children and points out the fact that many scales designed to measure childhood anxiety are based on instruments designed for adults. In each of these chapters, as well as the others in this book, the need for further research is emphasized. To sum up, this book provides the clinician with a handy guide to the complex issues of definition and diagnosis raised by the childhood anxiety disorders, and the researcher with a summary of the current state of knowledge. It also illustrates the limits of our knowledge in this complex and fascinating area. PETER HAYWARD
J. W. BERRY, V. H. POORTINGA, M. H. SEGALL and P. R. DASEN: Cross-Cultural Psychology--Research and Applications. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1992). xiv + 459 pp. £45.00 hardback; £19.95 paperback. This book is a companion volume to the same authors' earlier volume Human Behaviour in Global Perspective: An Introduction to Cross-Cultural Psychology. The earlier volume was aimed as an introduction whereas the present one expands on certain themes with very little overlap between the two. The present volume is divided into three main parts. Following the introductory chapter on cross-cultural psychology containing various definitions, goals of cross-cultural psychology and the role of ethnocentrism which raises every fundamental issue in cross-cultural psychology, the first part of the book deals with similarities and differences in behaviour across cultures. This section contains some of the most useful material in the book--in particular on cultural transmission and development, social behaviour and personality, as well as cognition and perception. This section also discusses national character and national stereotypes. In particular, the chapter on personality, in spite of all the problems associated with personality disorders, offers an interesting insight into the universality of socialization and the impact of environment on such development. The second part of the book deals with research strategies for pursuing problems across cultures, and includes sensible practical advice on approaches and theoretical issues in cross-cultural psychology. Concepts of culture, ethnography, evolution and behaviour genetics as well as ethology are discussed in this section. It also raises methodological concerns about the design of cross-cultural studies and various related theoretical issues. The third part of the book demonstrates applications of research findings across cultures. It contains chapters on ethnic groups, acculturation, health behavaiur and organizations and communication. The authors conclude with a chapter on psychology and the developing world. The book is aimed at undergraduate students but all of us who are interested in the field of cross-cultural issues will find something in it to think about and mull over. The book is lucidly written and the literature review is exhaustive. The main weakness of the book is in the third part where too much emphasis is placed on organizational psychology which may suit occupational psychologists and managers, but will have little appeal for the clinician. This minor quibble apart, this book should be read by all who have any interest in the field and should be easily accessible to psychology and psychiatric trainees. DINESH BHUGRA
UICHOL KIM and JOHN W. BERRY: Indigenous Psychologies--Research and Experience in Cultured Context. Sage, Newbury Park (1993). viii + 296 pp. 'Psychology' has traditionally meant Western psychology, and the underlying assumption has been that the principles and findings of this discipline hold true universally. Cross-cultural psychology has always questioned this assumption and highlighted differences between cultures. In this quite innovative book, contributors from 14 different cultural backgrounds present and discuss their own indigenous or 'native', psychologies, thus reflecting the diversity and wealth of psychological knowledge, concepts and skills that can be gained from attention to these traditions. If premises that have been accepted for decades in modern psychology have been questioned and challenged as a result, then this is indeed what the editors of this book expected to happen. The range of topics covered is broad. It includes: Indian psychology; Mexican ethnopsychology; developing a Filipino psychology; indigenous psychology in Africa; therapeutic aspects of Buddhist psychology; psychology in and of Canada; and humanistic values and concerns in Polish psychology. Pleasingly, the chapters do not conform to a rigid uniformity. Rather, they are diverse and wide-ranging in content and presentation. The introduction, and the final chapter, both jointly written by the two editors, are a major contribution, which define the field and the concepts and categories within it. For the practising therapist, this book offers a perspective other than that of traditional Western psychology. Is such a perspective of any practical value? In the assessment and treatment of clients from cultural backgrounds radically different from the Western, a willingness and an ability to be flexible can only be of help. Equally, such a perspective can help in building theories that may question the universality of behavioural laws. As for specific contributions from indigenous psychology to the practice of psychology in today's world, a lot remains to be done. This is not because there is a paucity of techniques and ideas in the indigenous traditions, but because these need to be evaluated and established as valid. This is a major task, and a challenging and fascinating one. Kim and Berry have made a major contribution to the study of psychology with this volume. Its immediate therapeutic relevance is limited, but it is likely to play a major part in providing the setting conditions for new developments in the application of psychology, including psychological therapies. O. MCGREGOR