Suchergebnisse

Non‐traditional self‐mutilation among young adult Aborigines in the Kimberley region of Western Australia has emerged in the 1980s in parallel to increases in other forms of intentional personal violence (including suicide, homicide and deaths from accidents). Having noted certain characteristics in common with self‐mutilators encountered in psychiatric practice in the wider society, the author proceeds to a socio‐historical analysis that foregrounds the changing intracultural dynamics of power among post‐referendum Kimberley Aborigines. The intercultural context of these changes and the role of alcohol are examined in terms of their impact on the construction of identity.

The authors report on 37 referrals seen for psychiatric consultation during visits to various islands in Micronesia. A large number demonstrated either organic mental disorders or con tributory medical illnesses. Observed differences between males and females are examined. In such cross-cultural settings, the authors emphasize the need for psychiatric expertise respon sive not only to the dimension of culture in evaluation and treatment, but also to the impor tance of vigilance for organic processes that may require special attention.