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Differences in beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States

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  • Karine S Nersessova
  • Tomas Jurcik
  • Timothy L Hulsey

Abstract

Background: Cross-cultural studies find that culture shapes people’s understanding of mental illnesses, particularly Depression and Schizophrenia. Aims: To compare individuals’ beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States. Method: Participants ( N =607) were presented with vignettes of two diagnostically unlabeled psychiatric case histories and then answered questions regarding mental health literacy (MHL) and attitudes toward the person and the illness. Results: Our findings indicate that Depression was most often attributed to psychosocial stress while Schizophrenia was thought to be caused by biological factors. People from both countries considered those suffering from Schizophrenia to be unpredictable and dangerous. US participants were more likely to endorse lay and professional help for both disorders than their Russian counterparts. Russian participants reported being less likely to turn to someone they trust and more likely to deal with problems on their own. Russian participants were also more likely to view those with Depression as ‘weak-willed’ and leading an ‘immoral lifestyle’. Conclusion: Our findings further inform cultural understandings of these mental illnesses in an often neglected national group. Patterns suggest that both groups may benefit from exposure to corrective information about Depression and Schizophrenia.

Suggested Citation

  • Karine S Nersessova & Tomas Jurcik & Timothy L Hulsey, 2019. "Differences in beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 65(5), pages 388-398, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:65:y:2019:i:5:p:388-398
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764019850220
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    1. Joseph Henrich & Steve J. Heine & Ara Norenzayan, 2010. "The Weirdest People in the World?," RatSWD Working Papers 139, German Data Forum (RatSWD).
    2. Natalia Shulman & Bryan Adams, 2002. "A Comparison of Russian and British Attitudes towards Mental Health Problems in the Community," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 48(4), pages 266-278, December.
    3. Seena Fazel & Gautam Gulati & Louise Linsell & John R Geddes & Martin Grann, 2009. "Schizophrenia and Violence: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(8), pages 1-15, August.
    4. 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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    1. Evgeny Knaifel & Rafael Youngmann & Efrat Neter, 2023. "Immigrant generation, acculturation, and mental health literacy among former Soviet Union immigrants in Israel," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 69(3), pages 724-734, May.

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