SB Q5 C11

Question 1

What is culture-bound syndrome ?

Answer 1

• CULTURE-BOUND SYNDROME – forms of abnormal behaviour observed only in certain sociocultural milieus.

Question 2

What are the types of culture-bound syndrome ?

Answer 2

1. Amok
   • sudden rage and homicidal aggression; probably due to stress, less sleep, & alcohol consumption.
2. Witiko – (windigo)
   • amongst Alongquin Indians in Canada
   • man-eating monster→ suicide to avoid cannibalistic urges.
3. Zar
   • an altered state of consciousness amongst Ethiopian immigrants to Israel. Believe to be possessed by Zarspirit, expressed by involuntary movement, mutism, and incomprehensible language.
4. Sinking heart
   • condition of distress in the Punjabi culture, affecting heart or chest; probably due to excessive heat, exhaustion, worry, or social failure

Question 3

What are the other types of culture-bound syndrome ?

Answer 3

Others:
▪ whakama (in New Zealand)
▪ Avanga – In Tonga
▪ Latah – amongst Malay in
South East Asia, esp. in
Malaysia.
▪ Koro – retracting of penis, in
Southeast Asian man