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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Debate

Does the recent intensification of nationalistic and xenophobic attitudes in Eastern European countries adversely affect public mental health?

Authors: Andrzej Brodziak, Alicja Różyk-Myrta, Agnieszka Wolińska

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

The authors postulate that the recent intensification of the nationalist and xenophobic attitude in Poland and other Eastern European countries is detrimental to public mental health. The xenophobic attitude is accompanied by a higher incidence of anxiety and depression, disputes due to the polarization of opinions, a sense of embarrassment and a sense of contradictions with so-called Christian values, unfavorable demographic predictions and reduced life satisfaction.

Discussion

The authors attempt to describe the sequence of adverse events that led to the intensification of xenophobia and characterize the current state of public mental health in European countries. They formulate and propose possible actions which could counteract the consequences of that transformation.

Short conclusion

The actions which may be undertaken to counteract the deterioration of public mental health can be based on the recommendations of so-called ‘positive psychology’ and ‘positive psychiatry’ as well as the principles of strengthening local social capital.
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Metadata
Title
Does the recent intensification of nationalistic and xenophobic attitudes in Eastern European countries adversely affect public mental health?
Authors
Andrzej Brodziak
Alicja Różyk-Myrta
Agnieszka Wolińska
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3785-3

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