Abstract
Research observations by L. SECHREST in the Philippines have been reported in a previous issue of this Review (Transcultural Psychiatric Research IV (April I967), I8-25). Further studies by this investigator in the same cultural area concerned themselves with the concepts and management of mental disorder in a number of negro communities and with the relevance of sibling rank to psychopathology in Filipino patients. B. G. BURTON-BRADLEY reports from Papua and New Guinea on the practice of betel-nut chewing which is ultimately wrapped up with the social life and customs of the indigenes. A description is given of the association of betel-nut chewing with social functions and of its pathological effects. There are three fairly well defined syndromes associated with betel-nut chewing—habitation, addiction, and psychosis. R. I. LEVY discusses the reasons for the decline of alcoholism in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. In a previous issue of this Review (Transcultural Psychiatric ResearchIII (October I966), I03-I6) R. SALISBURY reviewed the literature on Possession on the New Guinea Highlands (with special reference to studies carried out by L. L. LANGNESS) and reported observations of his own among the Siane in New Guinea. The views expressed by SALISBURY gave rise to a discussion between L. L. LANGNESS and himself. This discussion is presented.
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