Mental Health Beliefs Amongst Emirati Female College Students
Abstract
Recent epidemiological data from Arabian Gulf nations suggest that mental health problems such as depression and anxiety have a relatively high prevalence, particularly amongst women. However, despite the widespread morbidity, treatment seeking for mental health problems is low. Mental health beliefs amongst female Emirati college students were explored. A questionnaire exploring perceptions about the causes, consequences and best forms of intervention for mental health problems was administered to 70 participants. Data revealed that social and environmental factors were given the most weight in terms of etiology. Social stigma was the most frequently identified barrier to help seeking. Religious practices were commonly reported as an approach to cope with mental health problems and to maintain good psychological health. Most participants reported willingness to seek help from a healthcare professional. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for improving the quality and accessibility of mental health services in the gulf region.
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In Middle Eastern contexts, despite an established need, sociocultural impediments prevent active psychological help-seeking.
“for those who reside in Middle Eastern contexts, despite an established need, sociocultural impediments prevent active psychological help-seeking.”
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- Authors
- Al-Darmaki, F., Thomas, J., & Yaaqeib, S.
- Affiliations
- Zayed University (AE)
- United Arab Emirates University (AE)
- Corresponding author
- Al-Darmaki, Fatima
- Venue
- Community Mental Health Journal
- Published
- 2015-08-19
- Volume
- 52
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 233-238
- ISSN
- 0010-3853 (ISSN-L)
- 1573-2789
- OpenAlex
- W1150463577
- Cited by
- 64
- References
- 31
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 3
- FWCI
- 1.64
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Community Mental Health Journal (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Gender Roles and Identity Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychology and Mental Health
- Keywords
- mental health perceptions, Emirati women, female university students, help-seeking barriers, social stigma, mental health stigma, religious coping, etiology of mental disorders, treatment seeking, access to mental health care, Gulf region
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Mental Disorders, Female, Humans, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Mental Health, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Surveys and Questionnaires, Religion and Psychology, Social Perception, Students, United Arab Emirates, Universities, Women's Health, Young Adult, Social Stigma
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