Keeping culture in mind: A systematic review and initial conceptualization of mentalizing from a cross‐cultural perspective

Erez Aival-Naveh, Lily Rothschild-Yakar, Jenny Kurman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this review, we call for a cross‐cultural examination of mentalizing. To this end, we first outline theoretical directions for understanding mentalizing in the context of the universalism–relativism debate. Next, we systematically review cross‐cultural studies of five concepts, each of which overlaps with separate dimensions of mentalizing: Theory of Mind, empathy, perspective‐taking, alexithymia, and mindfulness. Based on healthy and clinical samples investigated across more than 45 cultures, we draw several conclusions. First, mentalizing profiles may vary between cultures (e.g., self > other mentalizing in individualistic cultures, self<other mentalizing in collectivistic cultures). Second, linguistic factors, value preferences, and parenting characteristics may explain these differences. Finally, the data generally support the link between mentalizing and mental health across cultures, yet further research is needed.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)1-25
Number of pages25
JournalClinical Psychology: Science and Practice
Volume26
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Theory of Mind
  • alexithymia
  • culture
  • empathy
  • mentalization
  • mentalizing
  • mindfulness
  • reflective‐functioning

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Clinical Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Keeping culture in mind: A systematic review and initial conceptualization of mentalizing from a cross‐cultural perspective'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this