Psychological assessment of the Old Order Amish: Unraveling the enigma.

Abstract

Old Order Amish define their existence as but not of' the world, expressing their spirituality in a culture currently unique among Christian sects. The mental health professional-of the world, by definition-faces the task of providing services to a sequestered people. This article examines the needed modifications in role, to accommodate expectations of equality, and respect for the boundaries that must always exist. Little professional literature-and almost none in recent years-addresses psychological interventions with the Amish. The challenge of providing services to this population illuminates the challenge of a sequestered people, the demands of cross-cultural service, and a humbling recognition of the limitations to existing psychological techniques and research.