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Community Mental Health Journal
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal 1/2009

01-02-2009 | Original Paper

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

Authors: Alean Al-Krenawi, John R. Graham, Eman A. Al-Bedah, Hafni Mahmud Kadri, Mahmud A. Sehwail

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 1/2009

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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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Footnotes
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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Metadata
Title
Cross-National Comparison of Middle Eastern University Students: Help-Seeking Behaviors, Attitudes Toward Helping Professionals, and Cultural Beliefs About Mental Health Problems
Authors
Alean Al-Krenawi
John R. Graham
Eman A. Al-Bedah
Hafni Mahmud Kadri
Mahmud A. Sehwail
Publication date
01-02-2009
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-008-9175-2

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