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Cross-National Comparison of Middle Eastern University Students: Help-Seeking Behaviors, Attitudes Toward Helping Professionals, and Cultural Beliefs About Mental Health Problems

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Abstract

This study is the first to use identical data collection processes and instruments in Egypt, Kuwait, Palestine, and Israeli Arab communities regarding help-seeking behaviors and attitudes towards perceived cultural beliefs about mental health problems. Data is based on a survey sample of 716, undergraduate students in the 4 countries, 61% female and 39% male. Results indicate that respondents within the various countries, based on nationality, gender and level of education, vary in terms of recognition of personal need, beliefs about mental health problems (i.e. stigmatization), and the use of traditional healing methods versus modern approaches to psychiatric therapy. The conclusion discusses differences between our respondents’ expectations and prevailing mental health service provision and delivery.

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Notes

  1. The jinn are NOT fallen angels. They were created from a smokeless flame of fire. The first recorded jinn to be disobedient is Iblis. Disbelieving, disobedient jinn and humans are known as shayateen (satans).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Spitzer Department of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel

    Alean Al-Krenawi

  2. 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4

    John R. Graham

  3. Gulf National Consultants, Kuwait City, Kuwait

    Eman A. Al-Bedah

  4. Department of Psychology, Ein Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

    Hafni Mahmud Kadri

  5. Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture, Ramallah, Palestine

    Mahmud A. Sehwail

Authors
  1. Alean Al-Krenawi
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  2. John R. Graham
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  3. Eman A. Al-Bedah
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  4. Hafni Mahmud Kadri
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  5. Mahmud A. Sehwail
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alean Al-Krenawi.

Appendix

Appendix

The following statements refer to your belief about mental illnesses or the psychological problems, and their causes and treatment. Please, carefully read the following sentences, and select the answer that well suits your own beliefs.

Please select one response for each statements:

1—False; 2—Probably false; 3—Probably True; 4—True

  1. 1.

    Some of the most important reasons that lead to mental illnesses or psychological problems are due to biological factors.

  2. 2.

    Some of the most important reasons that lead to mental illnesses or psychological problems are due to environmental factors.

  3. 3.

    Some of the most important reasons that lead to mental illnesses or psychological problems are due to the evil eye.

  4. 4.

    Some of the most important reasons that lead to mental illnesses or psychological problems can be caused by Seher (magic).

  5. 5.

    Some of the most important reasons that lead to mental illnesses or psychological problems are due to JinnFootnote 1 (spirits).

  6. 6.

    Mental illnesses or psychological problems can be treated by psychiatric treatment or psychological consulting.

  7. 7.

    Psychological or mental health problems can be treated by traditional healing.

  8. 8.

    Mental health or psychological problems can be treated by koranic recitation.

  9. 9.

    There are some psychological problems that might not be treated by modern psychiatric treatment, instead, they require traditional healing treatment.

  10. 10.

    Many of the physical illnesses are due to psychological distress.

  11. 11.

    At some incidents, psychiatrists suffer more psychological problems than their own patients.

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Al-Krenawi, A., Graham, J.R., Al-Bedah, E.A. et al. Cross-National Comparison of Middle Eastern University Students: Help-Seeking Behaviors, Attitudes Toward Helping Professionals, and Cultural Beliefs About Mental Health Problems. Community Ment Health J 45, 26–36 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9175-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9175-2

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