Exploring differences in attitudes towards mental health between British South Asians and White British individuals using the opinions about mental illness scale

Hussain, Muhammad Irfan (2016) Exploring differences in attitudes towards mental health between British South Asians and White British individuals using the opinions about mental illness scale. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This study aimed to explore if individuals form a British South Asian cultural background have a more positive or negative attitude and perception of mental illness and the mentally ill compared to White British individuals by using the Opinions about Mental Illness scale which was developed by Cohen & Struening (1962) and explores attitudes to mental health across 5 attitudinal dimensions. The questionnaire was posted online and data was collected using an opportunity based sample by recruiting participants using social media. An Independent samples t-test revealed that British South Asians have a significantly more negative attitude and perception towards mental illness than their White British counterparts. Results and findings are discussed.