Health Psychology: Well-Being in a Diverse World
SAGE Journal Articles
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Abstract: Nurses are increasingly using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for relief of personal health issues. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore how nurses’ TCM experiences affect nurses’ professional identities and practices. Symbolic interaction is the research framework used. Mixed methods of coding facilitate data analysis. Sociological theories explain the findings. The study included 20 semistructured interviews of 10 practicing nurses and 10 faculty members in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The data provide the basis for several new conclusions. Nursing subspecialty practice norms determine how TCM experience affects nurses’ professional identities and nursing practices. Mutable nursing careers enable nurses to incorporate TCM into their nursing “toolbox.” Among the significant findings from this study is that nurses try TCM and share that information with others, creating inroads for integration of TCM into Western medicine.
Journal Article 3.2: Favazza Titus, S. K. (2014). Seeking and utilizing a Curandero in the United States: A literature review. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 32, 189-201
Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review was to address two key questions: “Why do Hispanics seek a curandero?” And “How do Hispanics utilize the curandero?” The literature was reviewed using two databases—PubMed and CINAHL—during the period January 2000 to September 2012—and reference lists for potentially relevant studies. The search terms used were Hispanics/Latinos, curandero, CAM use, and traditional healers/medicine. Terms were searched in the keywords, title, and abstract. Of the 30 articles reviewed, 9 reflected the two key questions. Hispanics seek curanderos because they are affordable and are Spanish literate. Less common reasons include immigration status, culturally appropriate, spiritual healing, acculturation, and dissatisfaction with Western medicine. Hispanics utilize curanderos for a range of illnesses, including folk illnesses and treatments that may be unfamiliar to health care practitioners. Utilization of a curandero among the U.S. Hispanics was the focus of only four nursing articles on the practice of curanderos, but these did not address nursing implications. Knowledge of Hispanic folk illnesses and treatments is important in providing culturally appropriate holistic care. Furthermore, patient disclosure about the use of curanderos and folk remedies given may be critical to Western medical providers and the treatments they give.
Journal Article 3.3: Laher, S. (2014). An overview of illness conceptualizations in African, Hindu, and Islamic traditions: Towards cultural competence. South African Journal of Psychology, 44(2), 191-204.
Abstract: Increasingly, research, teaching, and practice emphasize the need for cultural competency among healthcare practitioners. Most training programs include modules on cultural competency based on a knowledge, skills, and awareness model. In line with the knowledge and awareness objectives of cultural competency, this article focuses on the conceptualization of illness from an Islamic, Hindu, and African perspective. It discusses spiritual illness, a category of illness recognized in all three traditions but marginalized in mainstream literature. This marginalization has given rise to debates as to whether a separate Islamic psychology, a Hindu psychology, African psychology (or other Psychology) should exist. This article explores these areas briefly concluding with arguments on the need for current teaching, research, and practice to take more cognizance of cultural views of illness.