The importance of harmonious relationships for mental health in traditional Chinese society

摘要

This article examines how the Chinese perceive and explain minor mental health problems (MMP). It focuses on the perception of doctors and students who practise traditional Chinese medicine, as. well as on lay people, and pays'special attention to how the understanding of MMP is related to traditional. Chinese culture. A fieldwork design with interviews and observations was performed. Minor mental health problems are looked upon as part of normal life and seen as quite different from (severe) psychiatric disorders. MMP are a sigh of not being integrated and are characterised by a lack of harmonious relationships with family and friends. The underlying Chinese philosophies and theories of mental problems and treatments are presented and discussed.