Anger regulation in traumatized Cambodian refugees: the perspectives of Buddhist monks.
Angela Nickerson, Devon E Hinton
Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry September 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-011-9218-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6 |
| Population | Buddhist Cambodian monks in Massachusetts |
| Interventions | Education about Buddhist doctrines Mindfulness meditation Herbal medication Holy water |
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Citations | 38 |
| Key findings | Buddhist monks identified anger as common in the Cambodian community, frequently triggered by marital discord, and managed through Buddhist-based strategies including education, mindfulness meditation, herbal medication, and holy water. |
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the importance of traditional methods of healing in relation to the treatment of psychological distress in non-Western populations. This pilot study, conducted in Massachusetts, investigates what Buddhist Cambodian monks consider to be the causes, phenomenology and appropriate intervention strategies for anger among Cambodian refugees. Six monks were interviewed at four major temples in Massachusetts. Findings suggested that anger was common in the Cambodian community, was frequently triggered by marital discord, and commonly resulted in verbal and physical violence and, sometimes, suicidality. Buddhist-based anger management strategies identified as useful by the monks included education about Buddhist doctrines, mindfulness meditation practices, and the use of herbal medication and holy water. These anger regulation strategies and treatments are discussed in the context of Buddhist beliefs and Western psychological interventions.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on buddhism, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Loving-kindness and compassion meditation: potential for psychological interventions. Clinical Psychology Review July 26, 2011
- From self to nonself: The Nonself Theory Frontiers in Psychology July 4, 2016
- Navigating Challenging Goals: The Role of Yoga Based Practices in Overcoming Goal Difficulties IIMB Management Review August 1, 2026
- Open Mind, Open Heart: An Anthropological Study of the Therapeutics of Meditation Practice in the US. Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry September 1, 2015
- Calming the mind: Healing after mass atrocity in Cambodia. Transcultural Psychiatry February 4, 2015
Cites 16
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and 11 more in the library