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Discovering the Power of "Kiyang-yang": Insights for Practitioners

Discovering the Power of \"Kiyang-yang\": Insights for Practitioners

Understanding "Kiyang-yang": A Cultural Idiom of Distress

In the field of speech-language pathology, understanding cultural contexts and expressions of distress is crucial for effective therapy. The research article "Kiyang-yang, a West-African Postwar Idiom of Distress" by Joop T. de Jong and Ria Reis provides a profound insight into how cultural idioms of distress can be utilized to improve therapeutic outcomes, particularly in children.

The Genesis of Kiyang-yang

The Kiyang-yang movement originated in southern Guinea Bissau in 1984 as a healing cult for young barren women. Over time, it evolved into a broader movement that addressed individual and collective stressors linked to post-war trauma. This idiom of distress provided a shared symbolic language that allowed individuals to express and transform their suffering in culturally resonant ways.

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners, the Kiyang-yang movement offers several insights:

Encouraging Further Research

While the Kiyang-yang movement provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore how idioms of distress can be integrated into therapeutic practices across different cultural contexts. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research that examines the intersection of culture, language, and therapy to develop more effective and culturally responsive interventions.

Conclusion

The Kiyang-yang movement is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of cultural expressions in the face of trauma. By understanding and integrating idioms of distress into therapeutic practices, practitioners can enhance their ability to support clients in navigating their unique cultural landscapes.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Kiyang-yang, a West-African Postwar Idiom of Distress.


Citation: de Jong, J. T., & Reis, R. (2010). Kiyang-yang, a West-African postwar idiom of distress. Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry, 34(2), 301-321. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-010-9178-7
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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