The Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration Conference
Moderator & I. Presenter: Fatma TERZİ
II. Presenter: Kübra ELTUTAR
Discussant: Tahir ÖZAKKAŞ, M.D., Ph.D./ Kocaeli, TURKEY
Email: ozakkas@psikoterapi.com
Self Development Depending on Turkish Culture and Its Reflections on Psychotherapy
Fatma Terzi. İstanbul, TURKEY.
fatmaterzii@hotmail.com
The aim of this study is to present the results of research examining the self within the framework of family and culture and to discuss the reflections of self-development in psychotherapy. The self can be defined as the component of one’s own beliefs, attitudes, and ways of thinking. It starts with the person’s birth and develops in interaction with the environment until the end of his life. A person’s self-development is also shaped by the cultural structure of the environment in which he interacts. In the past, psychology research was conducted around the Western culture and the results were generalized to other cultures without distinction. However, researchers who criticize this point of view have conducted studies that try to reveal that humans cannot be thought of independently of culture. Culture has now become one of the subjects that psychology attaches great importance to. In Turkey, which has a multicultural system, it has been tried to contribute to the literature in this context. Cross- cultural studies have been conducted comparing Turkish culture and American culture. It has been observed that the differences between cultures are remarkable. In previous studies, cultural structures were divided into societies with individualistic cultures and societies with collectivist (relational) cultures. In this context, Turkey was generalized as having a collectivist culture. However, contemporary studies have produced different results. Different views have begun to be put forward with researches in which both autonomous and relational self-structures are seen together in Turkish culture. In Turkish family structures, loyalty, respect and obedience to parents and ancestors are of great importance. However, the meaning attributed to the child and the value given to the child in Turkish society vary. On the other side some researches show that it has been found that the child has both spiritual (love, continuation of the lineage) and economic (material benefit, old age security) value. It has been stated that in Turkish society, when the child’s financial contribution to the family decreases and financial independence is gained, autonomy becomes important but does not affect commitment. It has been observed that both autonomy and commitment (closeness) play a functional role together. Contemporary research shows that the integrative approach draws attention in Turkish culture. It is suggested that this integrative approach should be reflected in psychotherapy by taking into account the cultural differences in the self-development of Turkish society.
Keywords: Self, Culture, Family, Psychotherapy
Self Development and Cultural Psychology
Kübra ELTUTAR. ISTANBUL,TURKEY.
kubraozugurlu@gmail.com
The purpose of this summary is to examine the contribution of cultural differences to the treatment process in psychotherapy practices. Personality is characterized as permanently ingrained behavioral and cognitive traits. Studies show that while evaluating the relationship between culture and personality, the expectations of societies form personality traits.According to the cultures, some behavior patterns were reinforced, while others remained outside. This undeniable effect of culture also manifests itself on the psychological structure.Self-concept can be defined as a person’s way of perceiving and comprehending herself.Although the self is defined as universal in terms of psychotherapy theories, it is predicted that the self-concept cannot be considered independently of the culture in which it lives.In this sense, there are differences between eastern and western researchers.According to the western view, the self is considered to be autonomous, continuous and whole, while in eastern societies the relational and contextual aspects of the self are mentioned.Psychology, as a science that was born and developed based on Western cultures and philosophies, has been shaped by Western history and conditions.With the influence of cultural psychology, criticism has been brought about that psychological theories are too individual-oriented and that the effects of the society they live in are not emphasized enough, and it is stated that psychological functions should be interpreted and interpreted according to the social and cultural norms in which they live. For example, while concepts such as individuality and boundaries are important for a healthy family structure, it is accepted according to the Western culture, while in cultures where family boundaries are more intertwined, the definition of personality is made contextually and relationally, psychological personality boundaries and the separation-individuation process are not emphasized. While the independence of individuals and standing on their own feet are of great importance in Western societies, in societies such as Turkish society, individuals define themselves by their relations with other people.One of the most important contributions of cultural psychology to the field of psychological counseling is the importance of understanding the experiences of individuals and how they make sense of these experiences within the context, rather than the single universal direct. Knowing the cultural norms well is important in terms of understanding the coping ways that individuals create and analyzing their functionality, and finding the appropriate method for the client. Studies reveal that clients tend to work with counselors who display cultural characteristics similar to their own, but the cultural awareness and non-judgmental attitude of the counselor is required rather than similarity for the success of the counseling process. Without neglecting the biological layer of personality, examining the interaction with social and cultural factors will be an important source of wealth for mental
health professionals. This will not only improve the ability to tolerate and make sense of differences, but will also enable a more accurate deciphering of the underlying causes of behavior.
Keywords: Culture, Psychology, Society