Reflections from Indigenous Psychology on Emotional Disorders: A Qualitative Study in Azeri Ethnic Group

Depression and Anxiety literature in Iran is short of cultural/indigenous studies, especially with regard to Azeri ethnic group. This study was carried out in order to identify depression and anxiety aspects in Azeri ethnic group. In a cross sectional qualitative design, 32 Azeri informants (14 patients, 13 lay people, and 5 professionals) recruited in the study using purposeful sampling method. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted and the collected data were analyzed through content analysis technique. Primary results indicated that 11 main theme categories exist in Azeri ethnic group: avoidance, dysfunction, arousality, disorganized personality, repetition, somatization, problematic behavior, maladaptive cognition, awareness, positive, and negative emotionality. Current evidence does not support the hypothesis of “Somatizing” depression and anxiety in Iranian cultural background, and perhaps other psychological processes are involved in somatic symptom report. Theoretical advantages and implications of the study in the framework of clinical and indigenous studies are discussed.