Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the conceptual framework and subsequent treatment strategies that seem to inadvertently create a psychological dichotomization in Canadian Indian young people who are placed in mainstream residential care facilities. Based on a non-Native value system, conventional treatment approaches attempt to alter the young person's attitude and behavior to an acceptable standard defined by the dominant society. Unfortunately, these efforts often result in the opposite effect. This paper will draw upon distinctions that exist between Native and non-Native cultures, while integrating Freud's position regarding the conflict of realities and ego-splitting. Finally, implications of providing mainstream residential services to the Native population will be addressed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Armstrong, M. (1987).Exploring the circle: A journey into Native children's mental health. Alberta Children's Mental Health Project, Department of Social Services and Community Health.
Ballard-Kent, J. & Cromwell, C. (1985). Challenges for social work education north of the 60.Canadian Social Work Review, 249–264.
Boszormenyi-Nagy, I. & Spark, G. (1984).Invisible loyalties. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Collins, D. & Colorada, P. (1988). Native culture and child care services. In Grant Charles and Peter Garbor (Eds.),Issues in child and youth care practice in Alberta. (pp. 83–94). Alberta: Lethbridge Community College Publications.
Cross, T. (1986). Drawing on cultural tradition in Indian child welfare practice.Social Casework, 67, 283–289.
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM III-R). Third Edition-Revised (1987). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
Erikson, E. (1964).Childhood and Society. New York: W.W. Norton.
Good Tracks, J. (1973). Native American non-interference.Social Work, November, 30–34.
Freud, S. (1941). Splitting of the ego in the defensive process.International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 22, 65–68.
Kessel, J. & Robbins, S. (1984). The Indian child welfare act: Dilemmas and needs.Child Welfare, LXIII, 225–233.
Lewis, R. & Ho Keung, M. (1975). Social work with Native Americans.Social Work, September, 379–382.
Morrissette, P. (accepted for publication). Troubled youth and their troubling ways: A conceptual framework for a working model.Youth and Child Care Quarterly.
Morrissette, P. (1989). Benevolent restraining: A strategy for interrupting vicious cycles in residential care.Journal of Strategic and Systemic Therapies,8, Spring, (31–35).
Stuart, C. (1983). Cross-cultural treatment for Native children: A point from which to begin.Journal of Child Care, 1, 51–57.
Sullivan, T. (1983). Native children in treatment: Clinical, social and cultural issues.Journal of Child Care, 1, 75–92.
Tafoya, T. (1989). Circles and cedar: Native Americans and family therapy. In George W. Saba, Betty M. Karrer and Kenneth V. Hardy (Eds.),Minorities and family therapy. (pp. 71–98). New York: Haworth Press.
Yates, A. (1987). Current status and future directions of research on the American Indian child.American Journal of Psychiatry, 144, 1135–1142.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Morrissette, P.J. The therapeutic dilemma with Canadian native youth in residential care. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 8, 89–99 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757551
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757551