Between Two Worlds: Filipinos in the U. S. Navy
DONALD F. DUFF 1, and
RANSOM J. ARTHUR 2
1 Neuropsychiatric Service U. S. Naval Hospital, San Diego, Calif.
2 Officer in Charge, U. S. Navy Medical Neuropsychiatric Research Unit, San Diego, Calif. 92152
Psychiatric illness among Filipinos in the U. S. Navy usually appears as a stereotyped clinical syndrome in which hypochondriasis and paranoia are prominent. The authors suggest that the distinctive Filipino child-rearing practices and certain cultural concepts related to feelings of obligation and shame are crucial in the determination of this clinical picture. A better understanding of the cultural factors in psychiatric symptomatology may help the therapist to establish a more effective relationship with such patients.
