Chapter 3: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations (Draft)

Chapter 3:

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

I.  Summary

 

 This research paper attempts to explore the influence of culture-bound syndromes in specific societies and cultures, either positive or negative.  

  The research method is descriptive, wherein articles and research by professionals in the medical field have been used to answer the research question posed. The study findings are as follows:

1.      Culture-bound syndromes are diseases which are not recognized officially by experts, save for a few examples, as the term is broad and vague.

2.      Culture-bound syndromes are not specific to one country or culture, as there are certain diagnoses which have the same effect as the disease found in another country.

3.      Most culture-bound syndromes categorized are more of a mental illness, though there are still examples that have physical signs and symptoms on the sufferers.

4.      A culture-bound syndrome is a major influence on a certain culture, as it also gives the country’s culture a unique identity, and has been intertwined with its traditional views.

II. Conclusions

 Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1.      Culture-bound syndrome is still a phenomenon that is in need of a more thorough research due to its broad term and definition.

2.      When talking about the category’s influence in general, culture-bound syndrome is a way for modern medicine to explore the human body and its functioning. Despite the advancement of science, there is still a lot to improve on regarding this topic.

3.       Culture-bound syndrome may be a gateway for other cultures to explore another culture, finding its causes and influence that leads to the illness in question.

III. Recommendations

After drawing out conclusions, through brief as they are, the researcher makes the following suggestion/recommendations:

1.      Culture-bound syndrome should not be defined as found only in one specific culture, but rather a more general term to describe a variety of symptoms found in a number of countries, though not as much as worldwide.

2.      Researchers should explore more into the topic to give the category a more solid foundation, not only for their benefit, but for the populace as well.



IV. Bibliography

McLaren, Carrie and Ringe, Alexanra. “Curious Mental Illnesses Around the World” from (http://www.stayfreemagazine.org/archives/21/mental_illness.html)

Hopton, Elizabeth. "Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescent Girls: A Culture-Bound Disorder of Western Society?" from (http://socialcosmos.library.uu.nl/index.php/sc/article/viewFile/36/32)

O'Neil, Dennis. "Culture Specific Diseases" and "Culture Specific Mental Disorders" from (http://anthro.palomar.edu/medical/med_4.htm)

Simons, Ronald. "Introduction to Culture-Bound Syndromes" Psychiatric Times, Volume 18, No. 11. November 1, 2001.

Wilkins, Alasdair. “The Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is history's most startling mental disorder” from (http://io9.com/5893214/the-jumping-frenchmen-of-maine-is-historys-most-startling-mental-disorder)

Saunders, Dustin. “Taijin Kyofusho: A Culture-Bound Syndrome” from
(http://www.brainphysics.com/taijin-kyofusho.php)

Wallace, Charles. “Mysterious Ailment Takes a Heavy Toll Among Thais : Southeast Asia: The Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death syndrome has killed hundreds of young men. Doctors remain baffled.” From (http://articles.latimes.com/1990-03-24/news/mn-721_1_sudden-unexplained-nocturnal-death-syndrome)

Hibbard, Chris. “The Windigo Psychosis” from (http://chrishibbard.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/the-windigo-psychosis/)