Mental health considerations with the Yupik Eskimo

Abstract

In cross-cultural mental health, there is a need to understand the culture from which a person belongs before psychotherapy can be effective. The Yupik (Siberian) Eskimos of the St. Lawrence Island area have several historical traumas that have effected their cultural group. This paper addresses some of the important factors that have formed personality features of the Yupik. Discussion centers on the mental health factors inherent in the cultural shift and historical traumas that have occurred from the 1800s to the present, including traditional livelihood, family role patterns, and education. This particular cultural shift is one of traditional independence to European dependence.