DOI: 10.1097/01.nmd.0000126739.76791.59
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Issn Print: 0022-3018
Publication Date: 2004/05/01
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Excerpt
Lozano-Vranich, Belisa, and Petit, Jorge. (2003). New York: Rayo/Harper Collins. xvi + 248 pp. $23.95.
The Seven Beliefs is not just another self-help book for depressed women. Its unique quality lies in its focus on Latinas by two experienced clinicians, a psychologist and a medical doctor, who are themselves Latinos. The structure of the book is simple and straightforward: it describes in some detail the seven beliefs and subsets of them to which depressed Latinas can subscribe to remediate their depression. Many of these suggestions are based in outline on cognitive behavioral therapy. These notions range through positive self-attributions, relaxation techniques, how to cook healthy Latin food, and how to change aspects of Latin culture that counter empowerment in women.
When I read the book, I thought that it might not be of interest to readers of this journal, but I later revised my opinion somewhat. It may be of interest to clinicians who have Latina patients and may be informed by the brief case vignettes and descriptions of Latina life styles. Further, it would be good recommended reading for their clients because it is written in plain language and presents convincing case material, including the exhortation to recognize the signs of depression and enter therapy.
There are two negative aspects to the book that might be mentioned, however. First, it lacks attention to cultural diversity within the broad (generalized in this book) Latina population in the United States. Certainly immigrant, undocumented Central American women often have very different and more extensive sources of distress than Puerto Rican women who come as citizens or second-generation natives who are much more acculturated. Second, although many of the authors’ recommendations do take culture into account, many of their admonitions are very much like those in other self-help books. The authors take the position that Latinas should acculturate to rid themselves of the undesirable effects of their cultures.
Despite these reservations, the authors have produced a book that can be of value for patient education and perhaps prevention of depression in Latinas.
