Cultural misconceptions and public stigma against mental illness among Lebanese university students.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine cultural misconceptions about mental illness and how they are associated with the public stigma against mental illness among Lebanese university students.

METHODS: A sample of 203 participants completed the study. Data about cultural misconceptions, attitudes about mental illness, and public stigma of mental illness were obtained. The researchers examined the mean difference in public stigma according to cultural beliefs about mental illness.

RESULTS: The majority of students believe that mental health professionals have inadequate knowledge and expertise to treat mental disorders. Various cultural misconceptions about mental illness were reported. Public stigma significantly differed based on these cultural misconceptions.

CONCLUSION: Psychiatric nurses should play a vital role in reshaping the inappropriate cultural view about mental illness.