Imagine you're in a foreign country trying to assemble an IKEA desk with instructions in a language you don't understand. Tough, right? Similarly, the effectiveness of a therapy like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) could get lost in translation in different cultural contexts. Here's a closer look at how CBT plays out in a collectivist society like China. Get ready for an exciting journey!

Picture this: You're in a group project, and one member is struggling but doesn't speak up, because they don't want to burden others. Collectivist cultures prioritize the group over the individual. So, in these societies, the idea of discussing one's mental health issues in a one-on-one setting (like CBT), with a stranger no less, could be a real curveball.

Hodges and Oei are like cultural explorers, bridging the gap between CBT and Chinese values. They found that typical CBT strategies (like teaching new skills, focusing on homework, and re-analyzing thoughts logically) shake hands quite well with Chinese values such as respect for authority and dedication to hard work.

So, here's a surprising plot twist: CBT might not just fit into collectivist cultures, but could be more effective because the individuals are likely to follow the therapist's guidelines readily!