Psychology in Oceania and the Caribbean (International and Cultural Psychology)

The Caribbean and Oceania are understudied areas from a psychological perspective, and this book is designed to fill that knowledge gap. In addition to diverse, rich cultural traditions and abundant economic opportunity for some, these regions also reflect the challenges of modernity, including crime, poverty, ethnic tensions, adaptations to climate change, and disparities in health, education, and access to care. With contributions from noted psychologists in the Caribbean and Oceania, as well as experts from around the globe, this book provides nuanced examination of significant psychological issues in nations such as Fiji, Guyana, Belize, Haiti, Jamaica, and more. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals with an interest in this part of the world, will find this volume a rich resource, as will those generally interested in the relationship between culture and psychology. This book takes you on an outstanding journey of what is occurring in cultural psychology in the 21st century. It addresses the abundance of each nation through a transformational lens of current practices in psychology in Oceania and the Caribbean. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in sailing the high seas connecting the present with the endless possibilities of those who dare to journey into the waters of a divine future.” - Florence Denmark, Past-President, American Psychological Association "Chock full of expert knowledge and insights, Psychology in Oceania and the Caribbean is an indispensable resource for psychologists. A must-read that will expand your understanding of life in these regions and beyond! “- Pamela A. Hays, PhD, Author of Addressing Cultural Complexities in Practice "This is a breath-taking book in its coverage of the uniquely endowed psychology worlds of Oceania and the Caribbean. Now that Dr. Rich, Dr. Ramkumar, and colleagues have produced this awesome book volume on the cultural psychology of the rim water nations, I have a palpable sense of relief from their having addressed a huge gap in cultural psychology scholarship. This volume opens hitherto undreamed of opportunities for further studies on cultural practices in psychology in Oceania and the Caribbean!”- Elias Mpofu, PhD, DE.D, CRC, MAPS, Professor of Health Sciences at the University of North Texas, Honorary Professor of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney and Executive Board member of the Australian Psychological Society’s Rehabilitation Psychology Interest Group "This book represents a vital exploration into the purpose and practice of Psychology in island nations. It is a welcome compilation of academic writings from sociocultural perspectives within Oceania and the Caribbean and serves as a landmark account of the unique forces shaping the development and evolution of Psychology in these states." - Gerard Hutchinson MD, Professor of Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago Foreword References Preface: Psychology in Oceania and the Caribbean: An Overview Chapter Introduction The Caribbean Oceania Conclusion References Contents Author Biographies Brief Biographies of Editors Brief Biography of Foreword Author Part I: Psychology in Oceania Chapter 1: Psychology in Micronesia Overview of the Micronesian Region The Travails of Social Change in Micronesia Behavioral Health Problems in Micronesia Suicide Mental Illness Behavioral Health Services in Micronesia Guam Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Palau Federated States of Micronesia Republic of the Marshall Islands Conclusion References Chapter 2: Psychology in Fiji: Complexity and New Horizons for the Isles of Smiles Country and Human Security Overview Prevalence and Mental Health Needs Cultural Meaning of Mental Illness and Treatment Colonial Legacy Counseling Services Education and Career Paths A Sustainable Future for Psychology in Fiji Conclusion References Chapter 3: The State of Psychology and Mental Health Services in Vanuatu Demographic Overview Geography Population Economy Languages The Political System The Health System Psychology and Mental Health Care in Vanuatu Psychology in Vanuatu Cultural Factors and Psychological States The Mental Health Policy of Vanuatu Mental Health Legislation The Mind Care Clinic A Vanuatu Specific Approach to Mental Health Care Mental Health Psychosocial Support and Natural Disasters Conclusion References Chapter 4: “Teu Le Va: We over Me” A Brief Overview of Mental Health Amongst Samoans in American Samoa Geography and History People and Culture Language and Communication Religion and Spirituality Gender and Sexuality Migration Health Status Traditional Conceptualization of Mental Illness Mental Health in American Samoa Today Promoting Resiliency in American Samoa References Chapter 5: Psychology in Samoa and Throughout the Diaspora Samoan History and Identity Religion Psychology Through Mental Health Services in Samoa Contributing Factors to Mental Health Issues in Samoa Psychology Throughout the Samoan Diaspora Samoa’s Church-Village Contexts of Psychology Reformation New Psychological Innovations Grounded in Fa’aSamoa Conclusion References Chapter 6: Native Hawaiians and Psychology: The Cultural and Historical Context of Indigenous Ways of Knowing Challenges to Defining Native Hawaiians Definition of Native Hawaiians A Brief Overview of Indigenous Psychology A Worldview of Native Hawaiians: An Indigenous Perspective Native Hawaiians in a Historical Context Trends in Psychology and Research on Native Hawaiians The Deficit Approach The Cultural Interaction Approach The Indigenous Approach The Future of Psychology and Native Hawaiians References Chapter 7: Hawaiian National Re-emergence from US Colonization: Community Strength, Mental Health, and Traditions DIE Culture in Contemporary “Systems of Care” and OLA Cultural Care Models Hale Na‘au Pono: Cultivating OLA Against the Forces of DIE The ABC Triangle of Peace and Violence Hoʻoponopono Environment and Spirituality Conclusion References Chapter 8: Psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand Introduction Current Overview Socio-historical Context Tertiary Education in NZ Overview History Development of the Discipline of Psychology in NZ Governance Shaping the Profession in NZ Overview Regulation Qualifications Core Competencies Accreditation Continuing Competence Programme Interface Between Psychology and Government Psychology Workforce in NZ Culture and Psychology in Bicultural NZ Looking Back, Looking Forward References Chapter 9: Psychology on The Rock: Mental Health System and Kanaké Indigenous Tradition in New Caledonia Historical and Sociological Overview of New Caledonia The New Caledonian Mental Health System Public Health Figures The Government’s Do Kamo Public Health Plan Psychology and Indigenous Health Elements of Traditional Practitioner and Kanaké Initiates’ Practices Traditional Caregivers in Kanaké Hoot Ma Whaap Country The Seven Sources of Life of the Initiates in Kanaké Paicî-Camuki Country Discussion and Conclusion References Chapter 10: Melanesian Mental Health and Psychiatric Services: Perspectives from Papua New Guinea Demographic Characteristics Cultural Characteristics Religion and Spirituality Healthcare System Mental Health Services Laloki Psychiatric Hospital and Correctional Services Bomana Correctional Institute Service, Psychiatric Services Mental Health Clinicians Psychotropic Medications Presentation of Mental Illness Case Vignette Culture-Bound Syndromes Case Vignette: Culture-Bound Syndromes Amok Syndrome Spirit Possession Syndrome Psychiatric Conditions Substance Use Disorder Migration and Substance Use Suicide and Self-Harm Community Mental Health Clinics or Centers Psychiatric Facilities in the Provinces Mental Health Administration Political and Social Context in Papua New Guinea Consensus in Melanesia Role of the Church My Personal Experiences in Transcultural Psychiatry in Melanesia Summary References Chapter 11: The Polynesian Soul and the Modern World: Psychology Today in French Polynesia Introduction Context Location and Geographical Description Demography Languages History and Politics Economy Health Religion The Polynesian Psyche Culture and Psychology in FP Ancient Polynesian Psychology Redefining Psychology Key Issues Related to Psychology Substance Misuse Suicide Mental Health Disorders Psychological Resources in French Polynesia Role of Traditional Healing Conclusion References Part II: Psychology in the Caribbean Chapter 12: An Examination of the Landscape of Psychology in Jamaica Key Psychological Needs for Jamaica Psychological Resources in Jamaica Pioneering Psychologists Psychology Educational Opportunities Associations and Advocacy Psychological Services Available Summary of Resources Barriers to the Growth of Psychology Limited Understanding of the Field Societal Attitudes to Mental Health Shaping Educational Training to Match Country Needs Conclusion References Chapter 13: Psychology in Barbados: Looking Back and Moving Forward Psychology in Barbados The Practice of Psychology: Informal and Formal Origins Training in Psychology Research in Psychology Psychology’s Contribution to the Sectors of Health, Education, and Social Care Hospitals and Development Centers Psychology Within Private Health Entities Psychological Support Services in Education Rehabilitative Educational Programs and Facilities Psychological Social Care Support Services Psychology in Barbados: The Way Forward References Chapter 14: Psychology and Mental Health in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis History and Background of Saint Kitts and Nevis Education Universal Health-Care Availability Psychological Presence in Saint Kitts and Nevis Mental Illness in Saint Kitts and Nevis Conclusion References Chapter 15: Psychology in Haiti Psychology in Haiti Role of Religion Conclusion References Chapter 16: Mental and Emotional Health in the Dominican Republic Quisqueya*: La Republica Dominicana Brief History Today’s Dominican Society Dominican Economy Mental Health Disparities Motivation and Development of a Psychologist Mental Illness: Unseen and Untreated Stigma in Dominican Culture Lack of Mental Health Resources Culturally Relevant Healing Practices to Promote Mental Wellness Help-Seeking Behaviors Remedios Casero Family and the Therapeutic Process Public Health Systems Approach References Chapter 17: Psychology in Puerto Rico Conceptual Framework Demographics and History Economic Conditions Health Status Mental Health Cultural Idioms of Distress Ethnic Risk and Protective Factors Gender-Based Violence Disasters in Puerto Rico Training Opportunities in Psychology Future Directions References Chapter 18: Psychology in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago Conceptual Frameworks Sociohistorical Experiences, Sociodemographic Characteristics, and Cultural Practices Mental Health Issues Human Resources Training Programs Conclusion References Chapter 19: Psychology in Suriname Background Information: History and Demographics History of Psychology in Suriname Psychology: An Emerging Discipline First Organization Recent Developments Psychology Education at the University The University Psychology as an Academic Science: A Dual Unit Professional Standards Post-Master’s Professional Standards Entry Level into the Profession Licensure Quality Assurance Remarks on Traditional Medicine (TM) Closing Remarks References Chapter 20: Psychology in Belize Social Issues in Belize Psychology in Belize Traditional Healing Conclusion References Part III: Conclusion Chapter 21: Past, Present, and Future of Psychology in Oceania and the Caribbean: A Conclusion Chapter Websites for Select Psychological Organizations and Journals: Oceania and the Caribbean References Index