A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions of Mental Health Care in Kuwait

Abstract

Ten adult Kuwaitis (5 men and 5 women) participated in in-depth semistructured interviews regarding their perceptions of mental health care in Kuwait. The interviews were analyzed using grounded theory and the emergent theory identified stigma as being the overarching theme, supported by cultural factors, Islamic beliefs, and therapist characteristics. More specifically, participants described a relationship between the stigma of mental health care and prominent Kuwaiti cultural factors such as familialism, gossip, and the importance of reputation. Participants also discussed how Islam informs their perceptions of mental health care and ideal therapist characteristics that would possibly help reduce stigma. Implications for mental health care in Kuwait in light of the World Health Organization's Mental Health Action Plan (WHO, 2013) and directions for future research are also discussed.

Islamic faith as a facilitator for accessing counselling: the experience of three Kuwaiti clients

“…Islam means surrender or submission in Arabic, reflecting the essence of Islam as submission to the will of God (Rassool, 2016). Islam provides Muslims with a framework and direct guidance for living, addressing areas as diverse as family, relationships, sexuality, health, education and financial exchange (Scull et al, 2014). Islam also sets ethical codes, social values and adaptation strategies to help Muslims cope with life transitions and adversity (Sabry & Vohra, 2013).…”

“…Other faith-based explanatory models instead construct mental health distress as an act of God, regarded either as divine punsihment for sinfulness or weakness in faith or as a divine testing of the personal fortitude or strength of faith of the person suffering (Aloud & Rathur, 2009;Heath et al, 2016;Padela et al, 2011;Scull et al, 2014). Such beliefs are likely to bolster coping strategies focused on self-reliance and non-disclosure and in turn, according to Fakhr El-Islam (2008) may augment fears of stigma and public shame.…”

“…While the Gulf States have enjoyed rapid economic growth since the 1970s, with a concomitant expansion in state-funded health and education services, mental health provision remains significantly under-developed in comparison with physical health care (Hamdan, 2009;Okasha et al, 2012). Associated research in mental health and counselling is sparse, with the perspectives of service users almost entirely absent (Almoshawah, 2010;Scull et al, 2014). Building on the work of the second author (ANONYMISED), who developed theoretical understandings of how British young people overcome stigmatisation fears to access school counselling, the first author devised a masters dissertation research project to investigate the experience of Kuwaiti citizens who had accessed counselling.…”

Mental health care in Kuwait: Toward a community-based decentralized approach

“…The consequences of the stigmatization of mental health service users can be far-reaching, including discrimination in employment and education, social isolation, damaged marriage prospects or divorce. The factors are further exacerbated by a general distrust in mental health services, including reports of unethical treatment, breaches of confidentiality, and inadequate qualification/incompetence (Scull et al, 2014; and references therein).…”

The Counseling Profession in Kuwait: Its Journey and Future

“…This growth indicates the need for mental health-related services, as well as a growing interest in the field as a professional endeavor, even though psychiatric disorders are still highly stigmatized within the community (Scull et al 2014). The purpose of this paper is to outline how the counseling profession has already been utilized in Kuwait, what is being projected for its future development, and specific recommendations based on the perspective outlined.…”