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Chamorro Perspectives on Mental Health Issues in Guam: Cross-Currents of Indigenous and Western Cultural Discourses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 May 2015

Iain K. B. Twaddle ,
J. Peter Roberto  and
Ladisa D. Quintanilla
Iain K. B. Twaddle*
Affiliation:
University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam
J. Peter Roberto
Affiliation:
University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam
Ladisa D. Quintanilla
Affiliation:
Economic Opportunity Committee of Clark County, Inc., Vancouver, Washington
*
Ph.D.Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam, U.S.A. 96923, Telephone: (671) 735-2882; Fax: (671) 734-5255; E-mail; [email protected]
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Abstract

In order to promote cultural sensitivity in addressing mental health problems among the Chamorro people of Guam, the authors conducted a study aimed at exploring indigenous Chamorro alternatives to Western mental health theory. In tape-recorded interviews, thirty Chamorro participants shared their thoughts on Guam's psychosocial problems and the various ways in which Chamorros describe, explain, and address these problems now and historically. The resulting narratives were analyzed through a multi-layered process involving a number of Chamorro and non-Chamorro researchers and the participants themselves. In the spirit of participatory research, direct quotations from the interviews were woven into a synthesized cultural narrative highlighting a multiplicity of participant perspectives. This narrative examines substance abuse, violence, youth and family problems, and socially “bizarre” behavior in the context of cultural changes resulting from modernity and Westernization. The narrative also outlines Chamorro indigenous approaches to helping and healing, including family support, community support, and the use of traditional healers, as well as Chamorro views on Western mental health services. Discussion focuses on the role of mental health discourse in contemporary Chamorro culture.

Keywords

GuamChamorroindigenous peoplesculturemental healthnarrative.
Type
Qualitative Research/Case Studies
Information
South Pacific Journal of Psychology , Volume 14 , 2003 , pp. 30 - 59
Copyright
Copyright © University of Papua New Guinea and Massey University, New Zealand/Aotearoa 2003

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