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A Factor-Analytical Study of Depression Across Cultures (African and European)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Ayo Binitie
Ayo Binitie*
Affiliation:
University of Benin, Nigeria
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Summary

In a factor-analytical study of depression across two cultures, African and European, certain similarities and important differences were found. Depression in African cultures presented principally as depressed mood, somatic symptoms and motor retardation. In European cultures depression presented with depressed mood, guilt, suicidal ideas, motor retardation or anxiety. Both groups lost interest in work and the environment.

Guilt and suicidal ideas and acts are uncommon in African sample, and appear to be culturally determined.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 127 , Issue 6 , December 1975 , pp. 559 - 563
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1975 

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