Abstract
A Chinese woman (Mrs. L) suffering from lowbackpain was referred for psychological consultation. Subsequent investigation linked her back pain to a chronology of life events, including premarital sex, desertion, arranged marriage, and miscarriage. The therapist chose a strategic move that reframed her problems in terms of Chinese familism. Eventually, low back pain was alleviated, contingent upon an improved marital relationship and the birth of a baby boy. The case of Mrs. L highlighted the interplay between psychotherapy and cultural considerations. However, warnings were served against noncritical acceptance of broad generalization and cultural relativism.
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