EIP Malaysia ind Berry et al 2019 clean .pdf (351.74 kB)
Views of young people in Malaysia on mental health, help-seeking and unusual psychological experiences
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 17:35 authored by Clio BerryClio Berry, Daniel Michelson, Ellisha Othman, Jun Chuen Tan, Brioney Gee, Joanne Hodgekins, Rory Edward Byrne, Alvin Lai Oon Ng, Nigel V Marsh, Sian Coker, David FowlerDavid FowlerAim Mental health problems are prevalent among young people in Malaysia yet access to specialist mental health care is extremely limited. More context-specific research is needed to understand the factors affecting help-seeking in youth, when mental health problems typically have first onset. We aimed to explore the attitudes of vulnerable young Malaysians regarding mental health problems including unusual psychological experiences, help-seeking and mental health treatment. Methods In the present study, nine young people (aged 16–23?years) from low-income backgrounds participated in a semi-structured interview about their perspectives on mental health problems, unusual psychological experiences and help-seeking. Results Four themes were developed using thematic analysis. “Is it that they [have] family problems?” reflected participants' explanatory models of mental health problems. “Maybe in Malaysia” was concerned with perceptions of Malaysian culture as both encouraging of open sharing of problems and experiences, but also potentially stigmatizing. “You have to ask for help” emphasized the importance of mental health help-seeking despite potential stigma. “It depends on the person” addressed the challenges of engaging with psychological therapy. Conclusions We conclude that young people in Malaysia may hold compassionate, non-stigmatizing views towards people experiencing mental health problems and a desire to increase their knowledge and understandings. Yet societal stigma is a perceived reputational risk that may affect mental health problem disclosure and help-seeking. We suggest that efforts to improve mental health literacy would be valued by young Malaysians and could support reduced stigma and earlier help-seeking.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Early Intervention in PsychiatryISSN
1751-7885Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2019-04-16First Open Access (FOA) Date
2020-05-21First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2019-04-15Usage metrics
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