Research into general attitudes towards depression and two types of treatments for depression: a comparison of South Asian and White British participants

Hussain, Anikia (2016) Research into general attitudes towards depression and two types of treatments for depression: a comparison of South Asian and White British participants. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

"Background Previous research indicates perceived cultural stigma regarding depression affects help seeking behaviour. This study investigated whether differences occurred in attitudes towards two types of treatments for depression (drug therapy versus counselling) between White British (WB), South-Asian Migrants (SAM) and British South-Asian (BSA) participants. Method A 2x3 mixed factorial quasi-experimental design was used. The independent variable was type of depression (transient or chronic). The categorical variable was participants’ culture. The dependant variable was participants’ attitudes. Participants (N = 126) were recruited through either a snowball or opportunity sample; and were issued with an online survey consisting of depression vignettes. Data was measured in terms of four components: ‘attitudes towards talking therapy’; ‘how participant would react in same position’; ‘attitudes towards weakness’ and ‘attitudes towards medication’. Results WB and BSA participants had more positive attitudes towards counselling, whilst SAM’s had similar attitudes towards both treatments. All participants had higher scores for medication when depression was chronic, and all participants differed in ‘attitudes towards weakness’. WB and BSA participants had previous mental health knowledge, whereas SAM’s had little to no previous knowledge. Conclusion Results opposed previous literature, which could be due to the amount of prior knowledge held by participants."