S4 Episode 25: Cultural Variations in Psychosomatic Disorders

Bound by the Cloak

Have you ever wondered why certain illnesses only seem to appear in specific cultures? How do cultural beliefs shape our experience of health and illness? In this episode, we explore the world of culture-bound syndromes with medical anthropologist, Peter Guarnaccia.

These intriguing, culturally specific disorders—such as susto, koro, and ataque de nervios—offer unique insights into how mental health, the body, and culture intersect. Peter helps us explore the rich and varied ways different societies interpret psychological distress, physical ailments, and healing practices that challenge Western medical norms. Peter is an Emeritus Professor at Rutgers University, where he served for 36 years in the Department of Human Ecology at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Additionally, he was an Investigator at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research in Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences. Peter is widely recognized for his contributions to the study of cultural health practices and mental health.