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North American Cultures Essay
Grand Canyon University
BHS-330: Cultural and Social Diversity in Behavioral Health
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Native American and European Culture
The basic cultural differences between Native American and European civilizations have
an impact on how mental health care is approached. These variations result from distinct
worldviews, past experiences, and healing customs, and if they are not properly managed, they
may cause problems in professional settings. Native American cultures frequently place a strong
emphasis on community, oneness with the environment, and a comprehensive approach to health
that takes into account one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Numerous indigenous
groups prioritized ceremonies, rituals, and traditional practices that bring harmony back to both
the individual and the community as part of their focus on communal healing. Recognizing the
generational impacts of colonization, complete integration, and structural marginalization on
mental health, the idea of historical trauma is essential. Culturally sensitive care is essential since
mistrust of Western medicine is a common manifestation of such trauma. Indigenous healing
methods, like ceremonies and storytelling conducted by tribe elders or healers, can run counter to
the evidence-based procedures used in Western mental health treatment. (Gone, 2023 & Mental
, Health America, 2023) medical systems with European roots, on the other hand, are based on
individualism and frequently give priority to biological or psychological causes of mental
disease. Standardized, evidence-based techniques, such as medication or psychotherapy, are
commonly used in treatments. These approaches can overlook the cultural and community
aspects that are essential to native healing practices, even though they are successful for many.
Furthermore, the organizational patient-practitioner dynamic that European systems occasionally
impose may be in opposition to native principles of regional and reciprocal care. (Harvard T.H.
Chan School of Public Health, Gone, 2021)
North American Cultures Essay
Grand Canyon University
BHS-330: Cultural and Social Diversity in Behavioral Health
2
Native American and European Culture
The basic cultural differences between Native American and European civilizations have
an impact on how mental health care is approached. These variations result from distinct
worldviews, past experiences, and healing customs, and if they are not properly managed, they
may cause problems in professional settings. Native American cultures frequently place a strong
emphasis on community, oneness with the environment, and a comprehensive approach to health
that takes into account one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Numerous indigenous
groups prioritized ceremonies, rituals, and traditional practices that bring harmony back to both
the individual and the community as part of their focus on communal healing. Recognizing the
generational impacts of colonization, complete integration, and structural marginalization on
mental health, the idea of historical trauma is essential. Culturally sensitive care is essential since
mistrust of Western medicine is a common manifestation of such trauma. Indigenous healing
methods, like ceremonies and storytelling conducted by tribe elders or healers, can run counter to
the evidence-based procedures used in Western mental health treatment. (Gone, 2023 & Mental
, Health America, 2023) medical systems with European roots, on the other hand, are based on
individualism and frequently give priority to biological or psychological causes of mental
disease. Standardized, evidence-based techniques, such as medication or psychotherapy, are
commonly used in treatments. These approaches can overlook the cultural and community
aspects that are essential to native healing practices, even though they are successful for many.
Furthermore, the organizational patient-practitioner dynamic that European systems occasionally
impose may be in opposition to native principles of regional and reciprocal care. (Harvard T.H.
Chan School of Public Health, Gone, 2021)
