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An Anthropological Study on Bio-cultural Approaches to Mental Health: Exploring the Interactions between Biological, Social, and Cultural Factors in Shaping Mental Health

Pooja R Kulkarni, Jai Prabhakar S.C.

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Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology 9(1):p 21-27, January-June 2023. | DOI: 10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.9123.3

How Cite This Article:

Prabhakar SCJ, Kulkarni PR. An anthropological study on bio-cultural approaches to mental health: Exploring the interactions between biological, social, and cultural factors in shaping mental health. Indian J Res Anthropol. 2023;9(1):21–27.

Timeline

Received : June 20, 2023         Accepted : August 07, 2023          Published : September 09, 2023

Abstract

This research paper explores the bio-cultural approach to mental health, which recognizes the intricate interplay between biological, social, and cultural factors in shaping mental health outcomes. The understanding and treatment of mental health have traditionally focused on either biological or social factors in isolation. However, research increasingly recognizes the importance of exploring the dynamic interactions between these factors to develop a comprehensive understanding of mental well being and effective interventions. Biological factors, such as genetic predisposition and biochemical imbalances, contribute to mental health disorders, but their influence is mediated and shaped by social and cultural contexts. Social factors, including socio-economic status and social support networks, significantly impact mental health outcomes, and social determinants such as education and employment play a crucial role as well. Culture plays a central role in shaping individuals' perceptions and experiences of mental health, including cultural beliefs, values, norms, and practices. By examining the interactions between biological, social, and cultural factors, we gain valuable insights into the development of holistic and culturally sensitive approaches to mental health care. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to better understand the complexities of mental health disorders and tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of individuals and communities. Through an interdisciplinary analysis of existing literature, this paper highlights the significance of bio-cultural approaches in understanding and addressing mental health challenges in diverse populations.The paper concludes by emphasizing the significance of bio-cultural approaches in understanding and addressing mental health challenges in diverse populations and calling for continued research and implementation of such approaches to promote mental well-being for all individuals.


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Data Sharing Statement

There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.

Funding

This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

Information not provided.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.


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Cite this article

Prabhakar SCJ, Kulkarni PR. An anthropological study on bio-cultural approaches to mental health: Exploring the interactions between biological, social, and cultural factors in shaping mental health. Indian J Res Anthropol. 2023;9(1):21–27.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



Received Accepted Published
June 20, 2023 August 07, 2023 September 09, 2023

DOI: 10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.9123.3

Keywords

CultureWell-beingDisorderPublic health

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Received June 20, 2023
Accepted August 07, 2023
Published September 09, 2023

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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.



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