The effects of cultural differences between Chinese and Americans on analyses and supervisions
Tuesday, February 5th, 2008CHINA AND PSYCHOANALYSIS
American Psychoanalytic Association at
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel
January 17, 2008
The effects of cultural differences between Chinese and Americans on analyses and supervisions
Charles Fisher, M.D.
1. Carole Rosen, MA. MSW, LCSW
Overview of Some Cultural Differences and History with Some Comments on Clinical Implications
My comments reflect my experience with Chinese immigrants and my own life in China in the late 1970’s, and also being part of a Chinese family for 7 years.
The motivated patients who are in treatment or supervision with CAPA members are an unusual group in China. While the historical aversion to psychotherapy is changing, much psychotherapy in China is conducted in groups. For example, a group focused on road rage. To go outside the family with personal matters has been considered shameful. The Chinese “ego ideal” emphasizes interdependency and intergenerational bonding, in contrast to the Western ideal of separation/individuation. [Editorial note: The very term “ego ideal” contains the Western idea of ego.] Cultural change in China creates a problem for young people relating to traditional elders. Their internal conflicts between filial piety and desires for self-sufficiency and personal fulfillment, lead to guilt. Some individuals seek treatment with Western psychoanalysts in order to minimize their conflict about acting “more Western”. Cultural values de-emphasize open discussion and challenges to authority. Clearly this is relevant to clinical work. (more…)