Book

Curanderismo; Mexican-American folk psychiatry

Free PressNew York • Published In 1968 • Pages:

By: Kiev, Ari.

Abstract
This is a study of Mexican-American folk psychiatry in San Antonio, Texas. The source attempts to examine in detail '… the specific aspects of one system of prescientific psychiatry for the purpose of clarifying the therapeutic significance of its culture-bound elements' (p. vii). The author discusses the nature of the folk healer's (CURANDERO's) sensitivity to various subtleties or nuances of psychopathology among the various members of his group and the manner in which these psychopathological conflicts are resolved through his care. Kiev also describes the concept of 'dynamic psychotherapy,' a form of treatment used in contemporary psychotherapy, and its application in principal by the CURANDERO. Data for this study were gathered by the author from interviews with four native healers and with a number of patients suffering from various degrees of psychiatric illness (p. xi), and further supplemented by participant observation.
Subjects
Theory of disease
Ethnopsychology
Spirits and gods
Adjustment processes
Personality development
Social personality
Family relationships
Personality disorders
Drives and emotions
Magical and mental therapy
Shamans and psychotherapists
culture
Chicanos
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
North America
Sub Region
Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Types
Physician
Psychiatrist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1986
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Notes
Ari Kiev
Includes bibliographical references (p. 193-200)
LCCN
67025331
LCSH
Mexican Americans