Differences in beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States

Background: Cross-cultural studies find that culture shapes people’s understanding of mental illnesses, particularly Depression and Schizophrenia. Aims: To compare individuals’ beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States. Method: Participants ( N =607) were presented with vignettes of two diagnostically unlabeled psychiatric case histories and then answered questions regarding mental health literacy (MHL) and attitudes toward the person and the illness. Results: Our findings indicate that Depression was most often attributed to psychosocial stress while Schizophrenia was thought to be caused by biological factors. People from both countries considered those suffering from Schizophrenia to be unpredictable and dangerous. US participants were more likely to endorse lay and professional help for both disorders than their Russian counterparts. Russian participants reported being less likely to turn to someone they trust and more likely to deal with problems on their own. Russian participants were also more likely to view those with Depression as ‘weak-willed’ and leading an ‘immoral lifestyle’. Conclusion: Our findings further inform cultural understandings of these mental illnesses in an often neglected national group. Patterns suggest that both groups may benefit from exposure to corrective information about Depression and Schizophrenia.