2.3. Describe how cultural beliefs and social attitudes can affect expectations of diagnosis of mental health concerns: • for the child or young person • for others

This guide will help you answer 2.3. Describe how cultural beliefs and social attitudes can affect expectations of diagnosis of mental health concerns: • for the child or young person • for others.

Cultural beliefs and social attitudes shape how people view mental health. They influence what individuals consider as ‘normal’ behaviour and what is deemed concerning. For children and young people, these beliefs can shape the way mental health concerns are recognised and diagnosed.

These influences vary greatly across different cultures and societies. What might be acceptable in one culture could be frowned upon in another. This disparity affects expectations around mental health diagnosis, not only for the young individual but also for those around them.

Cultural Beliefs and the Child or Young Person

Cultural beliefs directly impact a child’s perception of their mental health. Children are highly influenced by the beliefs of their families, peers, and communities. If a culture minimises the importance of mental health, a child might resist acknowledging their struggles.

Effects on Self-Perception

• Acceptance of Mental Health Issues: In cultures that stigmatise mental health, children may feel ashamed or fear ostracisation. They might suppress symptoms or deny they have a problem.
• Language and Expression: Some cultures lack specific terms for mental health issues. Children in these communities may struggle to communicate their feelings or experiences.
• Understanding and Misunderstanding: Cultural beliefs shape a child’s understanding of their symptoms. A child might view depressive feelings as a personal failure rather than a medical issue.

Beliefs About Treatment

• Trust in Traditional Healers: Some cultures prefer traditional healers or spiritual leaders over medical professionals. This can delay a child’s access to effective treatments.
• Perception of Western Medicine: In cultures sceptical of Western medicine, there may be reluctance to use psychiatric medication or participate in therapy.
• Conflicting Beliefs: Parents might hold different views from their children, who might adopt more Westernised views through education or media exposure. This conflict can create tension when seeking a diagnosis.

Social Attitudes and the Child or Young Person

Social attitudes contribute to how mental health concerns are addressed and perceived. These attitudes can either support or hinder a child’s recognition and diagnosis of mental health issues.

Impact of Stigma

• Fear of Being Labelled: Social stigma can prevent children from speaking up. They may worry about being labelled ‘different’ or ‘problematic’.
• Bullying and Isolation: Children with recognised mental health issues might face bullying. This can exacerbate their condition and deter them from seeking help.
• Pressure to Conform: Social expectations can pressure children to act in ‘socially acceptable’ ways, masking their genuine issues.

Role of Media

• Media Portrayals: Media often shapes social attitudes. Misrepresentation can lead to misunderstanding. If mental health issues are portrayed negatively or inaccurately, it could influence a child’s self-view.
• Social Media: Online platforms can both support and harm a child’s mental health perception. While some groups offer support, others might spread misinformation or foster harmful stereotypes.

Cultural Beliefs and Expectations from Others

Cultural beliefs don’t just affect the individual. They also impact how parents, teachers, and peers perceive a child’s mental health.

Parental Perspectives

• Family Honour and Shame: In some cultures, a child’s mental health issue might be seen as a reflection of family dishonour. Parents might avoid seeking a diagnosis to protect the family’s reputation.
• Belief in Self-Reliance: Cultures that value self-reliance might discourage outside help. Parents may expect their children to ‘overcome’ issues independently.
• Cultural Priorities: Mental health may be less in favour of physical health or academic achievements, delaying diagnosis or intervention.

Professional Assumptions

• Cultural Competence: Healthcare professionals may lack understanding of certain cultural contexts. This can lead to misdiagnoses or the overlooking of symptoms.
• Bias and Stereotyping: Professionals might hold biases based on cultural stereotypes, impacting their expectations and decisions regarding diagnosis.

Social Attitudes and the Expectations from Others

Like cultural beliefs, social attitudes influence how others interact with and support children and young people facing mental health concerns.

Educational Settings

• Teacher Awareness: Teachers play a crucial role, but if they are not educated about mental health, they might miss signs or misinterpret behaviours.
• Support Structures: Schools need strong support systems. Without these, the expectations from educators might falter, leading to ignored or mishandled signs of mental health issues.

Community Influence

• Community Support: A supportive community can encourage seeking diagnosis. If the community is dismissive, children might not get the support they need.
• Peer Influence: Peers can have a positive or negative impact. Friends who are dismissive or uninformed about mental health can shape a child’s own attitude to their mental health concerns.

Social Services and Policy

• Government Initiatives: National policies on mental health can shape public attitudes. Positive policy could raise awareness and acceptance. Conversely, lack of policy can foster neglect or stigma.
• Budget Allocations: How resources are allocated for child mental health services affects support levels. This impacts how seriously mental health concerns are taken within the community.

Moving Forward: Encouraging Positive Change

Understanding and addressing cultural beliefs and social attitudes is crucial. There’s a need for inclusive discussions and culturally sensitive education on mental health.

Promoting Awareness

• Educational Campaigns: Implementing widespread educational programmes can help change social attitudes and dismantle stigma.
• Involving Cultural Leaders: Engaging respected members of cultural communities in discussions can bridge gaps between traditional beliefs and modern mental health understanding.

Supporting Children and Families

• Access to Resources: Providing resources in multiple languages and culturally appropriate contexts ensures wider accessibility and acceptance.
• Encouraging Open Dialogue: Normalising conversations about mental health within families and schools can help children feel safe to express their needs.

Enhancing Professional Training

• Cultural Competency Training: Professionals working with children should undergo training to understand multiple cultural perspectives of mental health.
• Ongoing Research: Continued research into how culture and social attitudes affect mental health is necessary to improve diagnostics and treatments.

Final Thoughts

Cultural beliefs and social attitudes play a powerful role in shaping mental health perceptions. They affect the expectations of both children and those around them regarding diagnosis and treatment.

By acknowledging these influences, those working with children and young people can better support them. It encourages a more inclusive, understanding environment where mental health is prioritised and children receive the help they need.