Research into cultural variations

We will now look at some studies on variations of how mental health issues are viewed in different cultures.

Why cultural beliefs are so important

Attitudes toward mental health vary significantly between individuals, families, ethnicities, cultures, and countries. Moreover, cultural and religious teachings often influence beliefs about the origins and nature of mental health issues, and can further affect attitudes towards the mentally ill.

A key cultural belief affecting attitudes towards mental health issues is that of social stigma. In other words the extent to which mental health issues are seen as:

‘…a sign of disgrace or infamy’ (OED 2018)

Abdullah and Brown (2011)

Phelan (2005)

Carpenter-Song, Chu and Drake (2010)

Your task

Think about your own cultural background.

• How are mental health issues viewed by many people from your cultural background?
• Does your experience in any way support the findings from the studies mentioned in this step?

Post your thoughts in the comments area.

Of course, not all people from a particular social background will have the same opinions, so you statement will be a general one.

References

_{Abdullah, T. and Brown, T.L. (2011) ‘Mental Illness Stigma and Ethnocultural Beliefs, Values, and Norms: An Integrative Review’ Clinical Psychology Review 31, 934-948}

_{Carpenter-Song, E., Chu, E., Drake, R.E., Ritsema, M., and Smith, B. (2010) ‘Ethno-Cultural Variations in the Experience and Meaning of Mental Illness and Treatment: Implications for Access and Utilization’ Transcultural Psychiatry 47 (2), 224–251}

_{OED Oxford English Dictionary (2018) ‘stigma, n.’ [online]. available from http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/190242?redirectedFrom=stigma#eid [7th December 2018]}

_{Unite for Sight (2015) ‘Module 7: Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health’ [Online]. available from https://www.uniteforsight.org/mental-health/module7 [16th November 2018]}

Further reading

_{Phelan, J.C. (2005) ‘Geneticization of Deviant Behavior and Consequences for Stigma: The Case of Mental Illness’ Journal of Health and Social Behavior 46 (4), 307–322}