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Cultural Influences on Mental Health Stigma: How Society Views Mental Health
Abu Sharkh, Nouran
Abu Sharkh, Nouran
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Abstract
Abstract
Mental health stigma continues to be a major barrier to seeking psychological support in Arab and
Muslim societies, especially in Saudi Arabia, where cultural and religious values strongly
influence how mental illness is viewed. This study explored whether presenting mental health
education through an Islamic lens could help reduce people’s reluctance to seek professional help.
Using a quantitative, cross-sectional approach, 71 participants completed a stigma scale survey
before and after watching a culturally sensitive educational video concerning Islamic values. A
paired samples t-test showed a significant drop in avoidance scores after the intervention (p =
.003), suggesting that religiously framed content helped lower stigma. The findings align with
previous research on the importance of culturally relevant strategies and show that using familiar
religious frameworks can improve understanding and acceptance of mental health care. While the
results are encouraging, the study's generalizability is limited due to its small, mostly female
sample and short-term design. Future studies should examine long-term outcomes and explore how
different interpretations of Islam shape mental health attitudes. Overall, this research adds valuable
insight into how culturally informed methods can support stigma reduction in religious and
community-oriented settings.