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doctabird's review
3.0
There were parts of this book that were great, and parts that were simply infuriating. I think each of the chapters could have been fully flushed out into its own book, and would have been a more comprehensive story of inter- & intracultural influences on mental illness. By the end of each chapter, I felt like I was given a one-sided view of this narrative. I won't disagree that the western idea of defining, diagnosing, and treating mental illness has, often blindly, impacted how other cultures perceive mental illness. Watters gives compelling examples of how this has occurred using different disorders and different cultures. He also excessively bashes how the west (mainly the U.S.) handles mental illness, which was the infuriating part. It would have made a more interesting story to delve into A) instances where western treatment of mental illness translated well within another culture and B) instances where another culture's ideals surrounding mental illness pervaded and influenced western views. I'm sure those instances exist, and it would have made a more well-rounded picture of the inter- & intracultural influences on mental illness (or globalization of the American psyche).
oneskyolder's review
5.0
This is such a fascinating page-turner!!
In this book, journalist Ethan Watters explores the ways in which the globalization of the American psyche has influenced the conceptualization, treatments, and outcomes of people living with mental illnesses globally. He accomplishes this through case studies of anorexia in Hong Kong, PTSD in Sri Lanka, schizophrenia in Zanzibar, and depression in Japan.
As someone who majored in psychology, I'm embarrassed to admit that I'd never given that much thought about the significant role that culture plays in mental health. So once I started reading this book, I was completely hooked. The chapter on schizophrenia was my favorite; it absolutely blew my mind.
One thing I appreciate about the book is that you don't need a background in psychology to understand it, because every concept or finding is explained clearly. My only critique is that the book could have been more concise and the sub-sections in each chapter could be better organized.
All things considered, this is definitely a valuable read!
In this book, journalist Ethan Watters explores the ways in which the globalization of the American psyche has influenced the conceptualization, treatments, and outcomes of people living with mental illnesses globally. He accomplishes this through case studies of anorexia in Hong Kong, PTSD in Sri Lanka, schizophrenia in Zanzibar, and depression in Japan.
As someone who majored in psychology, I'm embarrassed to admit that I'd never given that much thought about the significant role that culture plays in mental health. So once I started reading this book, I was completely hooked. The chapter on schizophrenia was my favorite; it absolutely blew my mind.
One thing I appreciate about the book is that you don't need a background in psychology to understand it, because every concept or finding is explained clearly. My only critique is that the book could have been more concise and the sub-sections in each chapter could be better organized.
All things considered, this is definitely a valuable read!
megmax's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.25
wow wow wow. brb gotta reevaluate my world view again
zasshi's review
5.0
This was a really, really important read that I recommend to anybody because it helps make sense of global perceptions of mental health, the harm that the US is doing by exporting and attempting to standardize mental health treatments, and because it provides insight into Big Pharma. Since it is based on the author's experience of researching the subject matter in-person and through interviews, it is entertaining, vivid, and well-written.
aecorsilva's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.75
watters takes the time to really guide you through an understanding of how psychiatric imperialism functions, and how it harms the nations it affects. an encompassing book that fully engages with its subject matter.
anne_grapefruit's review
4.0
This book was not written by a mental health expert, nor did it seek to argue for a certain scientific theory. Rather, it was mostly descriptive and collected expert opinion on different topics to extrapolate what they had in common. I thought this book was well-researched.
For those interested in mental health, psychology or cultural psychology, I would recommend.
For those interested in mental health, psychology or cultural psychology, I would recommend.