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‘Our community is the worst’: The influence of cultural beliefs on stigma, relationships with family and help-seeking in three ethnic communities in London

Author

Listed:
  • Guy Shefer
  • Diana Rose
  • Laura Nellums
  • Graham Thornicroft
  • Claire Henderson
  • Sara Evans-Lacko

Abstract

Background: Existing knowledge about the cultural beliefs of black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in the UK regarding stigma and mental illness is limited. Material: Data were collected in 10 focus groups, five with service users and five with laypersons, from BME communities in London. Discussion: Thematic analysis identified that cultural beliefs regarding mental illness reflect four different voices present within the BME communities. Conclusion: The study revealed that cultural beliefs influencing both relationships with family and, consequently, help-seeking for individuals with mental illness must be considered in the development of anti-stigma interventions and when engaging communities around mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Guy Shefer & Diana Rose & Laura Nellums & Graham Thornicroft & Claire Henderson & Sara Evans-Lacko, 2013. "‘Our community is the worst’: The influence of cultural beliefs on stigma, relationships with family and help-seeking in three ethnic communities in London," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 59(6), pages 535-544, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:59:y:2013:i:6:p:535-544
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764012443759
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mclean, Carl & Campbell, Catherine & Cornish, Flora, 2003. "African-Caribbean interactions with mental health services in the UK: experiences and expectations of exclusion as (re)productive of health inequalities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(3), pages 657-669, February.
    2. Link, B.G. & Phelan, J.C. & Bresnahan, M. & Stueve, A. & Pescosolido, B.A., 1999. "Public conceptions of mental illness: Labels, causes, dangerousness, and social distance," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(9), pages 1328-1333.
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