Ethnophysiology / Ethnopsychology + Social/Cultural Factors

Ethnophysiology

How beliefs about the body and physiology can affect the way different groups experience and interpret physical and psychological symptoms.

Ethnopsychology

How beliefs about psychology and mental experiences can affect the way different groups experience and interpret symptoms.

Example of ethnophysiology

In the U.S.; people may interpret chest pain as a heart attack; in Cambodia; people may interpret symptoms as “wind attacks”; in Latin America; “ataque de nervios.”

Ataque de nervios

A culturally influenced response to trauma or stress; noted in Latin American cultures.

Social and cultural factors in anxiety disorders

Ethnophysiology/ethnopsychology; beliefs about the body and psychology can affect how different groups experience and interpret physical and psychological symptoms.

Gender and anxiety disorders

Women are often more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders.

Culture and anxiety

Social and cultural beliefs can influence how symptoms are interpreted; expressed; and understood.