FW: Interesting Observation about Iranian Behavior ....

(Forwarded Email)

According to the cross cultural observations provided by examiners of the California board of behavioral sciences, psychotherapy with Iranian Americans contains the following elements:
 
IRANIAN AMERICANS
 
A. Cultural Values
 
1. Traditionalism - proud people who believe in their uniqueness
 
2. Respect for authority - social code determines correct behavioral patterns
 
3. Live in the present
 
4. Very hospitable
 
5. Family unit is patriarchal. Father is undisputed head of household. Authority also extends to oldest son
 
6. Mother has strong bond with children. Permissive with sons; controlling with daughters
 
7. When conflict develops, fighting ensues and communications stops
 
B. Therapeutic Implications
 
1. Iranian Americans are emotionally expressive people regardless of gender
 
2. Iranian Americans are ambivalent about therapists as helpers. Referrals usually come from a medical professional
 
3. Iranian Americans are "doctor shoppers" going from expert to expert seeking quick results
 
4. Therapist is often mediator in family disputes
 
5. Therapist would be wise to acknowledge patriarchal structure of family and avoid challenging defined family roles
 
6. Family will modify therapist's suggestions to suit their own evaluation of the problem
 
7. Structural and strategic techniques with paradoxical interventions are usually most effective since they match the orientation of the culture