Abstract
Objective
The authors explored the ethnocultural values of a group of senior psychiatry trainees in the northwest region of England.
Methods
The authors surveyed senior psychiatry trainees using the Personal Values Questionnaire and analyzed responses under the headings of ethnic stereotypes, ethnocultural service issues, and perceptions of racism. They also explored training requirements on cultural issues in a subsample of trainees.
Results
The majority of the trainees disagreed with certain commonly held ethnic stereotypes and acknowledged the role of culture in mental health. However, they had contrasting views on the need for culture-specific services and on perceptions of racism. They expressed interest in training programs on cultural issues in psychiatric practice.
Conclusion
In multicultural settings, personal beliefs, perceptions, and values are likely to influence psychiatric practice. A training program on cultural aspects of mental health could help improve awareness and sensitivity of these issues and the quality of care.
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Dr. Chaudhry is a member of the Speakers’ Bureau of Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical, AstraZeneca, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Dr. Husain has served as an advisor for AstraZeneca and he has re]support for educational activities from Eli Lilly, Sanofi-Aventis, Wyeth, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lundbeck, and Shire. At the time of submission, Drs. Neelam and Antonysamy declared no competing interests.
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Neelam, K., Duddu, V., Chaudhry, I.B. et al. A Survey of British Senior Psychiatry Trainees’ Ethnocultural Personal Values. Acad Psychiatry 33, 423–426 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.33.5.423
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.33.5.423