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Cultural Influences on Mental Health Stigma: How society views mental health
Alkaf, Salma
Alkaf, Salma
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Final.propoal.salma.pdf
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Abstract
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to care in Arab and Muslim societies, shaped by
cultural, religious, and familial influences. This study investigates how incorporating Islamic
teachings into psychoeducational interventions can reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking
behavior. Drawing on a pre- and post-test quantitative design, 71 Saudi adults viewed a short
awareness video integrating psychological education with Islamic values. Using the Stigma Scale,
results revealed a statistically significant reduction in help-seeking avoidance and religious
influence on mental health attitudes, though no significant change was found in general or self-
stigma. These findings suggest that brief, culturally and religiously sensitive interventions can shift
some attitudinal barriers related to faith and mental health. The study highlights the importance of
engaging religious frameworks in mental health advocacy, offering practical implications for
policymakers, clinicians, and educators working in conservative cultural contexts. Future research
should expand sample diversity, include longitudinal follow-up, and explore the role of religious
figures in mental health education.