Cult Med Psychiatry. 1985 Jun;9(2):201-17. doi: 10.1007/BF00117369.

Ho'oponopono, "to make right": Hawaiian conflict resolution and metaphor in the construction of a family therapy.

Culture, medicine and psychiatry

K L Ito

PMID: 4017619 DOI: 10.1007/BF00117369

Abstract

It has been noted in the literature that community conflict resolution rituals have many structural and functional similarities to the goals and methods of psychotherapy. A Hawaiian form of conflict resolution called ho'oponopono ("to make right, orderly, correct") is a case where a conflict resolution format actually was used to create a culturally appropriate family therapy. This was done under the sponsorship of a Hawaiian social welfare organization with Hawaiian ancestry therapists. An important element in the transformation and usefulness of ho'oponopono as a Hawaiian therapy is the maintenance and incorporation of metaphoric understandings about the nature and dynamics of Hawaiian social relations.

References

1. Cult Med Psychiatry. 1982 Dec;6(4):385-403 - PubMed

MeSH terms

• Conflict, Psychological*
• Family
• Family Therapy / methods
• Hawaii
• Humans
• Interpersonal Relations
• Problem Solving
• Role Playing

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.