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Globalization and psychology training: Mauritius as a case study

Foo Kune, Natacha M.R.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1119950059

Abstract Details

2005, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Psychology.
As knowledge travels more easily now due to globalization, especially through study abroad experiences, it becomes increasingly relevant to study the applicability of such knowledge when transported to different contexts and cultures. This study focused on how Mauritian mental health professionals adapt the psychology training they received outside of Mauritius, primarily in Western nations, once they start practicing in Mauritius. Twenty-six mental health providers who were working in Mauritius, and had received their psychology training outside the country, were interviewed. They worked in the counseling/clinical, educational and industrial/organizational realms. In addition, questionnaires were distributed to these participants to establish base data about services provided on the island. Cross-cultural competence, acculturation, biculturalism and colonization theories were used as framework to understand the process of adaptation. The findings highlight the fact that psychology is a new discipline in Mauritius, which means lack of understanding from the public, supervisors and legal system, stigma of seeking mental health services in the public’s mind, lack of resources for the public and for mental health professionals, as well as lack of continuing education. Issues of cultural competence were central for most participants as they adapted their training to the Mauritian context. The adaptation process usually involved a trial-and-error approach, with emphasis on seeking feedback from the client, and understanding how the client perceives his or her world. Participants indicated that their training did not prepare them adequately for dealing with the importance of family and spiritual beliefs, as well as dual relationships that inevitably occur in a small country, such as Mauritius. To address these issues, seeking a better grasp of the clients’ understanding of their mental health problems, better understanding of indigenous healers which may lead to cooperation with them, reducing use of norm-referenced tests in favor of more ecologically valid assessment, were recommended. Further, the recently formed association can be used to reduce the isolation, provide psychoeducation for the public, and provide continuing education for its members. Implications for students who study abroad, as well as programs that recruit and accept international students are discussed.
Pamela Highlen (Advisor)
globalization; psychology training; colonization; acculturation; Mauritius; adaptation of foreign knowledge; cultural competency; mental health provider; counseling

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Foo Kune, N. M.R. (2005). Globalization and psychology training: Mauritius as a case study [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1119950059

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Foo Kune, Natacha. Globalization and psychology training: Mauritius as a case study. 2005. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1119950059.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Foo Kune, Natacha. "Globalization and psychology training: Mauritius as a case study." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1119950059

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1119950059
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© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.