Cultural misconceptions and public stigma against mentalillness among Lebanese university students
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine cultural misconceptions about mental illness
and how they are associatedwith the public stigma against mental illness among Lebanese university
students.
Methods: A sample of 203 participants completed the study. Data about cultural misconceptions,
attitudes about mental illness, and public stigma of mental illness were obtained. The researchers
examined themean difference in public stigma according to cultural beliefs about mental illness.
Results: The majority of students believe that mental health professionals have inadequate knowledge
and expertise to treat mental disorders.Various cultural misconceptions about mental illness
were reported. Public stigma significantly differed based on these culturalmisconceptions.
Conclusion: Psychiatric nurses should play a vital role in reshaping the inappropriate cultural view
about mental illness.
Journal/Conference Information
Perspectives in Psychiatric Care,DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12232, ISSN: 1744-6163, Volume: 54, Issue: 2, Pages Range: 258-265