How scientifically valid is the knowledge base of global mental health?
BMJPublished 1 May 2008Open access
Derek Summerfield
Citations299
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score2.98
SNIP9.45
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TL;DR
Derek Summerfield argues that Western definitions and solutions cannot be routinely applied to people in developing countries because of culture, society and situation.
Abstract
Mental health is a construct that cannot be seen as independent of culture, society and situation. Derek Summerfield argues that Western definitions and solutions cannot be routinely applied to people in developing countries
Keywords
PsychologyMedicine
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