This idea reaffirms the need to optimise interventions for each cultural context, rather than simply transplanting models developed elsewhere. When exported elsewhere, they can succeed, fail, or even cause harm depending not only on their evidence base but on how well they resonate with the host culture’s deeper orientation toward self, others, and society (Heine, 2020; Watters, 2011). Mental health interventions rarely exist in isolation from culture (Kirmayer et al., 2020).
How might cultural identity affect mental health?
Cultural norms, beliefs, and values significantly impact an individual’s decision to seek mental health support. These models can attribute mental health issues to biological factors, psychological experiences, social circumstances, or supernatural forces. In contrast, other cultures might view mental disorders more straightforwardly as biological or physiological phenomena, akin to physical ailments. Traditional views on mental illness in some cultures often combine with religious or spiritual beliefs, framing psychological distress in terms of moral failings or supernatural influences. Such cultural variances necessitate a nuanced approach for healthcare providers when addressing mental health challenges across different populations. These cultural elements play a vital role in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues.
The life expectancy for people with severe mental disorders is drastically reduced4. Across the world, mental disorders are a leading cause of disability, exerting a huge impact on individuals’ and families’ daily life and functioning. On the other hand, men may face more barriers in accessing mental health treatment due to societal pressures that discourage them from seeking help. Though high‐income countries exhibit a slightly higher prevalence of mental disorders (15.1%) relative to low‐income countries (11.6%), more than four out of five individuals with a mental disorder (82%) live in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), due to their larger population size.
- These findings support previous evidence that belief about MH service affects its effectiveness and influences service utilisation (Dupree et al., 2010; Guzman et al., 2015).
- The participants felt stigmatised and described this as a reason for not utilising MH services.
- For instance, in collectivist cultures, emotional suppression might be perceived as resilience, while in individualistic cultures, the emphasis may be on emotional expression as a means of coping.
- Shefer et al. (2013) reported that cultural belief affected not just MH utilisation but relationships of the BAME.
References and recommended reading
This article looks at cultural differences in mental health, stigma across cultures, and systemic barriers that affect some communities’ access to mental health care. This systematic qualitative review shows that culture plays a vital role in utilising MH services among people of ethnic minority communities. Structural factors reported in this review are the nature of the service, the design and mode of service delivery and how compliant the interventions are with the cultural values of the BAME. The synthesis of results of the included studies in this review shows cultural factors such as structure (three studies), perception and beliefs of service users (four studies), cultural barrier (four studies) and stigma (five studies). As a result, MH and specialist psychological services such as Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, interventions for prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders, have been integrated into MH services.
Individuals may internalize these negative perceptions, leading to shame and reluctance to address their mental health needs. They influence symptom expression, Honoring Indigenous peoples through education leading some cultures to articulate distress through specific physical complaints rather than emotional terminology. Individuals connected to their cultural roots often find empowerment in expressing their cultural values, promoting community engagement and reducing feelings of marginalization. This sense of belonging enhances self-worth, resilience, and social support, which contribute to overall well-being. Cultural identity plays a significant role in shaping mental health, offering both enriching benefits and potential drawbacks.
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