The (F)Utility of Culturally Adapted Interventions

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered the gold-standard of psychotherapy, but it lacks cross-cultural application. This article considers how cultural relevance, and epistemological and epidemiological differences abate the efficacy of cultural adaptations of CBT. It proposes an ethical revaluation of imposing western paradigms of health and wellness on other cultures, in lieu of supporting indigenous interventions. It also discusses literature demonstrating the efficacy of Nigerian therapies over Western therapies when applied to Nigerian people.