Abstract
The Samoan islands have been politically, economically, and culturally influenced by the United States and Western European nations for more than one hundred and fifty years. Divided into two political regions, American Samoa is a protectorate of the United States and Western Samoa is an independent nation. Due to its political status and more direct influence from the United States, American Samoa is, in many aspects, a more modernized region compared to its neighbor Western Samoa. In the past half century, many Samoans have migrated to Hawaii and the west coast of the United States, including a significant population to the State of Utah. Tradition, migration, religion, acculturation, and modernization of Samoans make them a unique immigrant group. This article discusses some traditional aspects of Samoan culture including a short history of European and American influences, migration of Samoans to the United States, and treatment implications for therapists working with Samoan clients.
Recommended Citation
Canfield, Brian S. and Cunningham, J. Ty
(2004)
"Cross-Cultural Considerations in Counseling Clients of Samoan Heritage,"
Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy: Vol. 29:
No.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/irp/vol29/iss1/4