Mental Illness and Social Stigma: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

Abstract

Stigma is a significant barrier to mental health-care and treatment-seeking behavior.  Public stigma of mental illness refers to negative attitudes and beliefs that people have toward a mental illness. People usually express these attitudes through stereotypes (e.g. people with a mental illness are dangerous or weak), prejudice (fear or avoidance), and discrimination (denial of opportunity or inclusion). Stigma occurs everywhere, but how and when it takes shape is highly influenced by socio-cultural factors. You can see these cultural differences specifically in the countries of the Pacific Rim.  For instance, changes in religion, values, mental health system and collectivism vs individualism can affect the views on mental illness. not much literature has spoken about the role of culture in stigma, particularly in the area. Cultural similarities abound between nations, especially those with similar cultural foundations (Taiwan and Hong Kong, for instance). But despite this similarity, major cultural differences in stigma remain between East Asian and Western countries. This highlights more need for comparative research to see how cultures shape stigma and beliefs about mental health. By bringing the differences notice, subsequent studies can help in the planning of culturally sensitive interventions for lowering stigma and improving mental health care access among people.