Anthropology has always been a fascinating field, delving into the complexities of human nature and behavior. But what happens when anthropology intersects with humanistic perspectives? According to anthropologists Manduhai Buyandelger and Lauren Bonilla, the results can be both eye-opening and promising.
Buyandelger and Bonilla have been collaborating on a project that focuses on exploring the intersection of culture, emotions, and mental health. With their humanistic approach, they are bringing a unique perspective to the study, one that is yielding promising results. In a recent interview, the anthropologists shared their insights on their project and the impact it could have on our understanding of mental health.
The project, which is titled “Cultural Visions of Well-Being,” began as an exploration of the connection between cultural practices and mental health. Buyandelger and Bonilla chose to focus specifically on Mongolia, a country known for its strong cultural traditions and nomadic lifestyle. They were intrigued by the idea that the culture, with its close relationship to nature and strong community ties, could have a significant impact on the mental well-being of its people.
But what sets their project apart from traditional anthropological studies is their humanistic approach. Rather than approaching the study solely from a scientific perspective, they are also considering the emotional and cultural aspects of mental health. “We wanted to understand how people experience and cope with emotions in different cultural contexts,” explains Buyandelger.
Their methodology involves conducting in-depth interviews and observations in various regions of Mongolia, including urban and rural areas. They are also collaborating with local psychologists to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and emotional factors related to mental health.
One of the most significant findings from their project is the cultural concept of “hun,” which refers to the soul or spirit in Mongolian culture. They discovered that the concept of hun plays a crucial role in the way people in Mongolia understand and manage their emotions. “Hun is not just an individual concept, but something that connects people to each other and to nature,” says Bonilla.
The anthropologists also found that the concept of hun is closely linked to the traditional practice of shamanism in Mongolia. Shamans are considered spiritual and emotional healers, and their practices involve connecting with nature and the supernatural to address emotional and mental distress. This finding has led Buyandelger and Bonilla to believe that the cultural practices in Mongolia could be a valuable resource for mental health care.
Their project has also challenged several Western ideas about mental health, including the emphasis on individualism and “positive thinking” in addressing mental health issues. “We’ve seen that coping with negative emotions and acknowledging them instead of suppressing them is an essential aspect of mental health in Mongolia,” explains Buyandelger. In a culture where community and family ties are strong, a sense of belonging is also crucial for mental well-being.
The project has received positive feedback and recognition from the academic community, with many praising the anthropologists for their unique approach and findings. Dr. Carol Deutsch, a professor of anthropology at San Diego State University, says, “Buyandelger and Bonilla’s work challenges traditional assumptions about mental health and offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and emotional aspects that shape our well-being.”
Aside from the academic community, the project has also gained traction among mental health professionals. Buyandelger and Bonilla have been invited to present their findings at several conferences and workshops, where they have shared their insights with psychologists and therapists.
Their project has also sparked interest among the general public, with many following their progress through social media and their project website. “We have received messages from people in Mongolia and around the world, thanking us for shedding light on these important cultural aspects of mental health,” says Bonilla. “It shows that there is a need for this kind of research that bridges cultural and emotional perspectives.”
Thanks to their project’s promising results, Buyandelger and Bonilla are hopeful that their work will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of mental health that goes beyond the clinical and scientific approach. “We hope our research will contribute to a more holistic and humanistic approach to mental health care,” says Buyandelger. “One that takes into account the cultural and emotional contexts in which we live.”
As their project continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Buyandelger and Bonilla’s humanistic approach is bringing a fresh and insightful perspective to the field of anthropology. Their work has the potential to not only advance our understanding of mental health
