[Symposium 44] Family and culture

[SY-44] Family and Culture

Vincenzo F. DiNicola¹, Carlos Zubaran Jr², Yoko Kamio³, Tamaki Saito⁴, Tsuyoshi Akiyama⁵ (1.University of Montreal(Canada), 2.Sunnyside Clinic(Australia), 3.Ochanomizu University(Japan), 4.Tsukuba Dialogue House(Japan), 5.Rokubancho Mental Clinic(Japan))

Family and culture have always been innate to human existence. This symposium discusses the diverse intersections and interactions between family and culture. Riyadh Al Baldawi presents “Intercultural Perspectives in Addressing Intergenerational Conflicts in Families with an immigrant background,” synthesizing findings from research on immigrant families. He concludes that an intercultural perspective recognizes generational differences as opportunities for growth rather than barriers. Families can navigate conflicts effectively by addressing cultural and generational gaps through empathy and collaboration, preserving cultural heritage and adaptability. Carlos Zubaran discusses that families have endured social unrest, deprivation, and war, which have had a detrimental impact on well-being and mental health. Many families stand at the crossroads: some yearn to return to a nostalgic past, others long for a future of change and redemption. He presents a narrative on the evolving tension affecting families and the potential consequences for mental health. Vincenzo F. DiNicola discusses “A Stranger in the Family: Culture, Families, and Therapy.” Meeting strangers" is a metaphor for the increasingly common experience of working with diversity in family therapy. He offers a model of cultural family therapy for working with families across cultures, particularly immigrants, refugees, and minorities in mainstream society. Tamaki Saito reports on Dialogical Practice in Japan. In recent years, "Open Dialogue," a dialogical approach to psychosis originating from Finland, has been gaining attention in Japan. While its implementation in medical settings remains limited, its application is expanding, as evidenced by mandatory training in prisons nationwide. Open Dialogue is practiced at "Tsukuba Dialogue House." This approach involves inviting clients and their networks (such as family and friends) to participate in dialogical sessions conducted by a treatment team. Its effectiveness has already been confirmed for conditions such as schizophrenia and depression, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are currently underway.