Am J Psychiatry 1975; 132:378-384
Copyright © 1975 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychotherapy: historical roots, universal elements, and cultural variations
WS Tseng and JF Mcdermott Jr
The authors review various forms of traditional psychotherapeutic
interventions to trace the historical development of psychotherapy, which
demonstrates a shift in focus from the supernatural world, to the natural
world, to the physical person, then to the psychological person. The basic
processes of identifying problems, providing explanations, and prescribing
for change are observed among various kinds of treatment systems. Universal
elements fundamental to successful treatment can be identified in each of
these processes, and each is strongly modified by cultural factors. The
authors conclude that the special cultural dimension of psychotherapy
consists of defining cultural norms, reinforcing culturally sanctioned
coping mechanisms, and providing "time out" from usual cultural
expectations.
