Mental illness stigma as a moderator in the relationship between religiosity and help-seeking attitudes among Muslims from 16 Arab countries (original) (raw)

Mental Health Stigma in the Muslim Community

Mental illness stigma continues to be a major barrier for individuals with mental illness. In this paper, we define constructs that comprise stigma (e.g., attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination), discuss the harmful effects (e.g., label avoidance, public stigma, self-stigma) and present factors that may influence them (e.g., concealability). In order to better understand mental health stigma in Muslim community, we focus on intersectional stigma and present literature on the complex relationships among race/ethnicity, gender, class, religion, and health status among Muslims. In addition, we include literature highlighting culturally specific presentations of symptoms and mental health problems. Finally, we offer suggestions for future stigma research in Muslim communities. And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient (Surat Ai-Baqarah 2:155) Although mental health care has improved significantly over the last decades, many people still choose not to seek treatment or quit prematurely. A number of possible factors contribute to these disparities with stigma being perhaps the most significant. Stigma hurts individuals with mental illness and their communities , creating injustices and sometimes devastating consequences. In this paper, we discuss mental illness stigma and its related constructs, describe the

Understanding Arab American Mental Health Stigma to Establish Stigma-Reduction Initiatives

This research study seeks to address the root causes for the lack of mental health treatment in Arab American communities: the mental health stigma within the community, the societal issues barring them from seeking help, as well as attempting to understand the reason for their heightened levels of mental illness. The primary objective of this study is to understand how Arab Americans view mental illness and those who suffer from its effects, their relationship with it, and how these factors affect their willingness to be treated for it. The secondary objective is to develop a framework to address these concerns to correct the existing disparities in mental health treatment across these marginalized communities. The project was conducted through two approaches in order to delve deeper into understanding the individualized experience of an Arab American accompanied by the pre-existing datasets. Qualitatively, interviews were conducted using a comprehensive interview guide to address the issues noted in the primary objective. Quantitatively, a dataset of Arab Americans was analyzed statistically for correlation between depression with variables confirmed by research, including age, education level, income, and gender, and then, coupled with up-to-date research, verified findings of the ramifications of the September 11th attacks in the spike of mental health issues. The research generated from this study has led to conversations with public health officials and Arab community leaders, providing perspective on this prevailing issue within their community. By addressing this disparity, healthcare professionals will better understand how to treat their community members with cognizance of their apprehensions.

Stigma of Mental Illness and Attitudes Toward Psychological Help-seeking in Jordanian University Students

Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating impact on the life of university students. Data about stigma toward mental illness and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) in Arab university students are rare. This study aims to examine the correlates of ATSPPH in Jordanian university students. Method. A cross-sectional correlational design was used for this study. Using an online survey, a sample of 519 Jordanian university students completed measures of demographic and clinical variables, stigma toward mental illness and ATSPPH. Stigma toward mental illness was tested as a predictor of ATSPPH using a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Results. The results showed that Jordanian students have relatively less favorable ATSPPH than other study groups. Female gender, medically-related specialities, students with a previous history of receiving mental health counseling services and students who reported low scores on measures of stigma toward mental illness were more likely to have favorable ATSPPH. The stigma toward mental illness was the strongest correlate of ATSPPH in students and accounted for 13% additional variance above and beyond the 3% accounted for by all other independent variables. Conclusions. Combating stigma toward mental illness in Arab students is an important step toward promoting their ATSPPH. There is a crucial need to provide professional and culturally competent psychological care for this population in particular.

Evaluation of factors affecting attitudes of Muslim Americans toward seeking and using formal mental health services

Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 2019

This study investigated the effects of four independent variables-cultural beliefs about mental health; knowledge and familiarity with mental health problems, services, and providers; shame and stigma associated with mental health; and help-seeking preferences-on the attitudes of Muslim Americans toward formal mental health services. Data was collected in September 2011 via paper surveys given out at a national conference and through online data collection. The results of multiple regression analysis on 166 participants indicated that more favorable attitudes toward seeking and using formal mental health services are correlated with less cultural beliefs, more perception of shame, more knowledge and famil-6

Mental health attitudes among Middle Eastern/North African individuals in the United States

Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 2019

Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) individuals may have heightened risk for developing mental health problems due to unique cultural stressors. However, traditional cultural and religious practices and beliefs socialised within the family environment may reduce the likelihood of seeking mental health services. This qualitative study aimed to better understand the intersection of cultural, religious, and mental health attitudes among MENA individuals. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with MENA adults who had received therapy services (N = 13) and were analysed for emergent themes. Respondents reported lack of understanding of mental illness within their communities, and prominent levels of perceived and self-stigma. Families and religious practices/beliefs played an important role in responding to mental illness. Results suggest that incorporating psychoeducation and community awareness campaigns alongside religious services may help to reduce barriers to receiving mental health treatment.

Mental health help seeking among Arab university students in Israel, differentiated by religion

Mental Health Religion & Culture, 2011

A wide literature considers differences in utilisation and attitudes towards mental health treatment among diverse ethno-racial and religious communities. This paper is the first to compare attitudes to mental health-seeking patterns among a cohort of students representing three major religious minorities among Arab communities in Israel: Christians, Druze, and Muslim. Results of a cross-national survey of 195 student respondents indicate significant differences regarding attitudes towards help-seeking behaviour. Compared to Druze and Muslim counterparts, Christian subjects were higher in interpersonal openness, perceived mental health services as less stigmatising, and were less likely to use traditional healing systems. Findings are analysed in relation to cultural, historical, and political differences.

Attitudes Toward Mental Health and Psychotherapy in a Collectivistic Muslim Culture: Variations by Gender, Age, Education, Marriage, Profession, and Income

Journal of Internal Medicine: Science & Art

In some cultures, psychological problems and treatment are mostly not considered as important as medical illnesses. This is generally because of people's attitudes toward mental disorders and psychotherapeutic interventions. The current study involved 2702 Muslims from Pakistan. The study measured attitudes towards mental health through different dimensions. These mainly included attitudes toward mental health, attitudes towards mental disorders, attitudes towards medical illnesses, attitudes towards mentally disturbed, attitudes towards seeking psychological help for self, attitudes towards seeking psychological help for families, attitudes towards seeking psychological help for children, and attitudes towards seeking psychological help for friends. The understudied population had positive attitudes toward mental health and psychotherapy. A significant difference was found between people's attitudes towards medical illnesses and mental disorders. Attitudes based on gender, age, education, marriage, profession, and income were also significantly different. The findings of this study lead mental health practitioners and policymakers to modify their strategies for encouraging more clientele to the existing mental health facilities.

An Exploratory Study of American Muslim Conceptions of Mental Illness

Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 2014

Theological expressions on physical and mental illness tend to be influential in shaping the beliefs of practitioners living in Muslim majority societies.. It is unknown what influence, if any, Islamic beliefs have on the conceptions of mental illness expressed by Muslim Americans. This study explores the conceptions of Muslim Americans regarding mental illness. Two hundred and fifty-five individuals identifying as Muslim American participated in a mixed-method anonymous survey. The results of the survey reveal that most Muslim American participants adhere primarily to the dominant Western biomedical model of mental illness, but open-ended responses reflect a more complex understanding of mental illness as having biological, environmental, and psycho-spiritual origins. Findings suggest that how a Muslim American interprets mental illness will most likely depend upon the symptoms and context of the illness. Further exploration is needed to understand the beliefs of Muslim Americans and the way in which these beliefs affect attitudes toward therapies and mental health services.

Mental health and stigma in Saudi Arabia: a scoping review

Purpose-Stigma associated with mental health problems is widespread in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Consequently, this may prevent many Saudi people from accessing the mental health-care services and support they need. The purpose of this study is to consider how stigma affects people needing to access mental health services in the KSA. To achieve this aim, this study reviews the knowledge base concerning stigma and mental health in KSA and considers specific further research necessary to increase the knowledge and understanding in this important area. Design/methodology/approach-This review examines the relevant literature concerning mental health stigma and related issues in KSA using the Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses frameworks. As a scoping review, it has used a systematic approach in literature searching. The results of the search were then thematically analysed and the themes were then discussed in light of the concepts of stigma and mental health. Findings-Stigma around mental health impedes access to care, the nature of care and current clinical practice in the KSA. The voices of those with mental health issues in KSA are almost entirely unrepresented in the literature. Originality/value-The review identifies that mental health stigma and cultural beliefs about mental health in KSA may act as barriers to accessing services. The voice of mental health service users in KSA remains largely unheard. If public discussion of mental health issues can increase, people's experiences of accessing services may be improved.