![]() This model views mental health as the presence or absence of mental illness or psychiatric symptoms, whereas mental well-being refers to emotionally prosperous and resilient at one end of continuum and weakening at the other end. 22 According to Tudor’s 24 dual factor model, mental health and mental well-being have been presented as two separate concepts. 23 However, social cognitive theory puts forth that observations of an individual influence his/her behavior through two kinds of modeling, direct modeling and symbolic modeling. 22 This theory asserts that most of the behaviors, including health behaviors, are under conscious control of an individual and behavior is best predicted by individuals’ intentions to perform those behaviors. 21 Reasoned action and planned behavior theory proposes that individuals have the ability to act in rational ways and their behavior is influenced by their intentions. 20 According to Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, when a child is born, he/she has fundamental biological constraints on his/her mind it is the culture that provides chances for learning, and as a result, children start using abilities of their mind in order to adapt their culture. 19 Likewise, sociocultural theory focuses on how acquisition of behaviors is influenced by cultural beliefs and attitudes, apart from peers and adult influences. 18 However, cognitive theorists emphasize perception, thinking, belief systems, and other processes of remembering and learning for mental health. It is significant to discuss and highlight the common themes of mental health perception in the different studies conducted in different cultures.īehavioral theorists conducted experiments to conclude that behaviors are acquired and learned through conditioning. ![]() This review does not focus on any one regional study but encompasses all the studies showing common perceptions of mental health problems. This review synthesized all the studies focusing on mental health beliefs, perceptions, and perceived etiological and treatment options. 16 Similar findings were revealed from another study in Nigeria. 15, 16 Mental health problems and their causes are explained by Chinese culture as an imbalance of cosmic forces, and the preferred treatment is to restore the balance through interpersonal relationships, diet, exercise, and focusing on cognitions. Asian studies revealed the beliefs that somatic and organic factors lead to emotional problems and thus prefer physical treatment. 14 A South Asian study revealed that people there perceive mental illness as natural part of the suffering that is predestined for them.Ĭultural differences exist regarding the etiology of mental health issues and the maintaining factors. A study conducted in Switzerland, with psychiatric patients, revealed that demons were considered the main cause of mental health problems. Some Western cultures hold this idea too. 11 – 13 This notion of supernatural or parapsychological phenomenon is not limited to Asia. 10 However, there are some cultures, mostly Southeast Asians, who perceive that supernatural forces/phenomena are responsible for mental health issues and consider them the result of wrath or denial of spirit or deities. 9 According to a study on Jewish population, mental illness is seen as an opportunity to receive divine messages, a means of forgiveness, and to improve their souls. Pacific Islanders, for example, considered mental illness as a result of family conflicts. 6 – 8 Different regional studies revealed different views. ![]() ![]() 5 It has been found that people stopped contacting with services and arranged for their own discharge, once they were diagnosed. ![]() People’s perception of illness explains their help-seeking behavior or lack thereof. The understanding of mental health and the interpretation vary from culture to culture. The cultural context is important when studying beliefs regarding mental health. 2Īttitudes and beliefs about mental illness are shaped by personal knowledge about mental illness, knowing and interacting with someone living with mental illness, cultural stereotypes about mental illness, media stories, and familiarity with institutional practices and past restrictions (eg, health insurance restrictions, employment restrictions, adoption restrictions). Mental health problems can affect one out of every four people during their lives, by altering functioning, behavior, and thinking patterns. 1 Mental health is, to date, considered a neglected area in developing countries. It is identified by how lay individuals recognize and manage their specific disorders as well as estimate their outcomes and prognoses. Mental health literacy refers to beliefs and knowledge of lay individuals about mental health problems/disorders and their treatment. ![]()
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