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Comparative Study
. 2010 Mar;37(1-2):48-60.
doi: 10.1007/s10488-010-0283-2.

One size does not fit all: taking diversity, culture and context seriously

Margarita Alegria  1 , Marc Atkins, Elizabeth Farmer, Elaine Slaton, Wayne Stelk
Affiliations
Comparative Study

One size does not fit all: taking diversity, culture and context seriously

Margarita Alegria et al. Adm Policy Ment Health. 2010 Mar.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that the current mental health system is failing in the provision of quality mental health care for diverse children and families. This paper discusses one critical domain missing to improve care: serious attention given to diversity, culture, and context. It discusses what we mean by understanding culture and context at the individual, family, organizational, and societal level. Focusing on key predictors of children's adjustment in natural contexts would increase attention to building community and family capacities that strengthen children's mental health. To conclude, we suggest changes in organizational culture to build natural supports to enhance children's mental health.

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