Associations Between Religion, Perceived Family Openness to Mental Health, and Mental Health Help-Seeking Among South Asians
Abstract
Comfortability in discussing mental health within families is a key determinant of help-seeking behaviors. This comfortability can be attributed to or dissociated from mental health stigma stemming from deep-rooted cultural and religious barriers. Research suggests that youth of South Asian descent, in particular, have one of the lowest rates of utilization of mental health resources. This study aims to investigate the relationship between both religious affiliation and family openness to conversations about mental health and help-seeking knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behavior among South Asians.
A cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a mental health literacy pilot project at a private university in South Florida. Participants who reported South Asian ethnicity and either Christian, Hindu, or Muslim religion were included in this sample (n=42). A mental health help-seeking score will be calculated from variables about knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors. Odds ratios will be calculated to measure the strength of association between the mental health help-seeking score and 1) religion, perceived family openness to mental health discussions during 2) childhood and 3) adulthood.
We anticipate a negative association between participants of South-Asian descent who are from Hindu and Muslim religions and help-seeking. We also anticipate a negative association between a perceived lack of family openness about mental health and help-seeking. Results from this study can be used to devise interventions targeting South Asian youth with specific religions and cultures in order to equip them with knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes about mental health help-seeking.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Christi M. Navarro, Dr. Maria F. Montoya
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
Associations Between Religion, Perceived Family Openness to Mental Health, and Mental Health Help-Seeking Among South Asians
Alvin Sherman Library
Comfortability in discussing mental health within families is a key determinant of help-seeking behaviors. This comfortability can be attributed to or dissociated from mental health stigma stemming from deep-rooted cultural and religious barriers. Research suggests that youth of South Asian descent, in particular, have one of the lowest rates of utilization of mental health resources. This study aims to investigate the relationship between both religious affiliation and family openness to conversations about mental health and help-seeking knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behavior among South Asians.
A cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a mental health literacy pilot project at a private university in South Florida. Participants who reported South Asian ethnicity and either Christian, Hindu, or Muslim religion were included in this sample (n=42). A mental health help-seeking score will be calculated from variables about knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors. Odds ratios will be calculated to measure the strength of association between the mental health help-seeking score and 1) religion, perceived family openness to mental health discussions during 2) childhood and 3) adulthood.
We anticipate a negative association between participants of South-Asian descent who are from Hindu and Muslim religions and help-seeking. We also anticipate a negative association between a perceived lack of family openness about mental health and help-seeking. Results from this study can be used to devise interventions targeting South Asian youth with specific religions and cultures in order to equip them with knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes about mental health help-seeking.
