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Mental Health Literacy from the Perspective of Multi-Field Experts in the Context of Chinese Culture

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  • Jue Wu

    (School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
    Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430079, China
    Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430079, China
    Authors with equal contribution.)

  • Lin Zhang

    (School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
    Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430079, China
    Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430079, China
    Authors with equal contribution.)

  • Xu Zhu

    (School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
    Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430079, China
    Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Guangrong Jiang

    (School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
    Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430079, China
    Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430079, China)

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the opinions of multi-field Chinese experts on mental health literacy and further build a comprehensive picture of mental health literacy based on these opinions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Chinese experts from the fields of psychiatry, clinical psychology, mental health education, and social work. A mixed deductive-inductive thematic analysis was used in the analysis of the qualitative data. The experts noted that mental health literacy applies both to persons with mental illness and the people who help them. The comprehensive view of mental health literacy that emerged from the interviews included knowledge about mental illness, an attitude of acceptance, respectful behavior, and recognition of the importance of getting help. Characteristically, Chinese components of mental health literacy included living in harmony with others and achieving balance in all aspects of life. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study of experts’ views of the concept of mental health literacy in the context of Chinese culture. The experts’ responses to the interviews generated a comprehensive view of mental health literacy, including several elements that may be especially salient in Chinese culture. The results have implications for researchers and clinicians.

Suggested Citation

  • Jue Wu & Lin Zhang & Xu Zhu & Guangrong Jiang, 2021. "Mental Health Literacy from the Perspective of Multi-Field Experts in the Context of Chinese Culture," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1387-:d:492230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steve Kusan, 2013. "Dialectics of Mind, Body, and Place," SAGE Open, , vol. 3(4), pages 21582440135, November.
    2. Camp, D. L. & Finlay, W. M. L. & Lyons, E., 2002. "Is low self-esteem an inevitable consequence of stigma? An example from women with chronic mental health problems," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 55(5), pages 823-834, September.
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