The effect of cultural conceptions on therapy: a comparative study of patients in Israeli psychiatric clinics

This article explores the relationships between culture and therapy among patients from three contrasting Israeli groups: Persian, Ashkenazi and Moroccan Jews. The population studied is composed of persons who came to Jerusalem mental health clinics for consultation and treatment. Emphasis is placed upon the patients' conceptions and beliefs regarding health and illness as well as their actual behavior in this sphere. Systematic contrasts among the three groups are analyzed, and the ways these differences influence the treatment process are also discussed.