A social systems approach to improve mental health collaboration and ethnic relations in Cyprus

Systems scientists can play an important role in analyzing ethnic tensions and designing innovative approaches to sustaining peaceful relationships be tween groups with a history of inter-ethnic violence. A social systems appr oach was applied in a feasibility study sponsored by the United Nations Hig h Commissioner for Refugees. The purpose of the humanitarian project was to improve ethnic relations and collaboration between Greek and Turkish Cypri ots in Cyprus, and to determine the feasibility of establishing a bicommuna l mental health unit. The project consultants conducted a mental health nee ds assessment of both communities and analyzed information from multiple so urces and different perspectives. A follow-up workshop with a bicommunal te am was held in the USA to facilitate development of the mental health unit. The study provided useful knowledge on systems-oriented action research to improve ethnic relations in a complex social and political environment. Co pyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.