From December 6-8, 2024, there will be an examination of serious, negative health behaviours that are affecting the people of the Caribbean, and those of Caribbean descent living in the diaspora, in their quest to achieve the ever changing ideals of beauty.

By attending the conference, both local and international participants will have the opportunity to experience the diverse culture of the capital. While at the UWI, you can also explore the historical artifacts of the former sugar estate. Participants may also venture further afield to visit the home of international reggae superstar, Bob Marley, or see some stunning art exhibits.

We are deeply committed to curating an enriching experience that nourishes the mind and provides practical resources for responding to the negative spin-offs of various sociopolitical influences on the perception of self among Caribbean people. Our mission is to create a space where academics, medical practitioners, mental health professionals, nutritionists, social workers, technocrats, experts, and the general public from around the globe can come together to share knowledge and foster connections.

History and Focus of Symposium

Impelled by the perspectives we had gleaned from extensive work in the fields of sociology, psychology, psychiatry, nutrition and medicine, the symposium was launched in 2012 with an initial focus on body image (including skin bleaching), disordered eating and eating disorders.

However, in keeping with our growing tradition of encouraging robust conversations and boldness to delve into matters that are often avoided, the conference’s topics have been extended to include discussions about other mental health challenges faced by Caribbean people both in their island homes and within the diaspora.

Event Programming

Throughout the conference, you can expect an inspiring lineup of workshops, seminars, and activities designed to help develop more effective ways of educating and supporting segments of the Caribbean populace as they engage with struggles in having healthy relationships with their bodies. The discussions will also include other mental health challenges faced by Caribbean people living within the diaspora.

As such, the proceedings will use various instructional formats to examine the matters on hand through the following lenses:

1) Scientific platforms: The submission of research work and engagement in conversations on the ramifications of the growing trends of:

  • Body dissatisfaction
  • Eating disorders and disordered eating patterns
  • Obesity
  • Skin bleaching
  • Depression
  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Physical activity
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Substance abuse

2) Cultural competency: The provision of information exchange for professionals seeking to improve their cultural competencies as they serve Caribbean immigrants to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Sharing our experiences, along with that of our patients, can help bridge this gap. This knowledge exchange will be useful so that professionals in the international community will become increasingly equipped to engage effectively with their Caribbean immigrant patients.

3) Workshops: The encouragement of submission of educational workshops from local and international professionals. These workshops will provide a unique opportunity to share best practices and improve the effectiveness of our interventions both locally and in the diaspora.

Co-Chair Dr. Caryl James, iaedp Member/International Chapter Chair of Jamaica (January 2019 – January 2021)

REGISTER: https://www.mona.uwi.edu/dtbb/

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