Depression Stigma and Treatment Preferences Among Orthodox and Non-Orthodox Jews

Abstract

Anecdotal reports of increased stigma toward mental illness among Orthodox Jews seems to conflict with an existing literature describing less stigmatization toward depression among Jewish individuals. This online survey study investigated stigma toward depression and treatment preference among Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jews (N = 391). All participants were presented with a depression vignette to assess for stigma and then randomized to a vignette depicting a treatment modality (behaviorally oriented or insight oriented) to assess for treatment preference across several delivery options (individual, group, or Internet). Results indicated elevated depression stigma among Orthodox Jews as expressed by elevated levels of secrecy, treatment-seeking stigma, family/marriage stigma, and stigmatizing experiences, but not attitudinal social distancing. No group differences were found with respect to overall treatment preference, treatment modality, or manner of delivery. Overall, participants preferred individual therapy more than group and Internet therapy and preferred group therapy more than Internet therapy. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

A comparative study of mental health diagnoses, symptoms, treatment, and medication use among Orthodox Jews

“…Beyond the broadly negative impact of these characterizations on public perceptions of Orthodox Jews, our research calls into question their veracity. Despite previous research suggesting elevated levels of mental health stigma among Orthodox Jewish community members (Baruch et al, 2014), our data indicate that mental health concerns are dealt with in a similar manner among Orthodox Jews and other individuals, even among those identifying with more traditional ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) groups. Furthermore, to our knowledge, there is no credible empirical evidence demonstrating a reticence for Orthodox Jews to seek treatment and comply with it.…”

Counseling Jewish Americans: Considerations for Practice

“…Furthermore, Yeung and Greenwald (1992) found that Jews were more likely to consult mental health professionals compared with Catholics and Protestants, who were more likely to seek help from medical professionals or clergy. However, even though Jews in general view help-seeking favorably, stigma remains high among Orthodox Jews (Baruch, Kanter, Pirutinsky, Murphy, & Rosmain, 2014), although the situation is improving (Schnall et al, 2014). Orthodox Jews may be more concerned with privacy and confidentiality (Loewenthal & Rogers, 2004) and tend to seek help from their rabbinical representatives rather than from mental health professionals.…”

“…One reason for this is that potentially secular views of mental health professionals may not mirror those of religious Jews, such as views on homosexuality (Slomowitz & Feit, ). Another reason for not seeking help from mental health professionals is that fear persists among Orthodox families that mental illness will affect one's marriage prospects and family functioning (Baruch et al, ; Schnall, ; Schnall et al, ; Witzum & Buchbinder, ). Baruch et al () found that Orthodox Jews expressed more stigma toward depression than their non‐Orthodox counterparts, showing greater stigmatization toward treatment‐seeking, more likelihood of hiding symptoms of depression, and greater likelihood of believing disclosure would be viewed negatively in their communities.…”

“…Another reason for not seeking help from mental health professionals is that fear persists among Orthodox families that mental illness will affect one's marriage prospects and family functioning (Baruch et al, ; Schnall, ; Schnall et al, ; Witzum & Buchbinder, ). Baruch et al () found that Orthodox Jews expressed more stigma toward depression than their non‐Orthodox counterparts, showing greater stigmatization toward treatment‐seeking, more likelihood of hiding symptoms of depression, and greater likelihood of believing disclosure would be viewed negatively in their communities. Thus, although most Jews view mental health treatment favorably and tend to report less stigma (Kohn et al, ; Midlarsky et al, ), it is important for counselors to consider the nuances within Jewish subgroups and the potential stigma and shame that treatment may bring.…”

Suicide stigma in Jewish communities in the United States.

“…Jewish religious denominations generally cluster around two broad categories, non-Orthodox and Orthodox. Non-Orthodox Jews comprise the majority of the Jewish population and tend to have more flexible Jewish traditions (Baruch et al, 2014; Flasch & Fulton, 2019). Comprising 10% of the Jewish population, Orthodox Jews practice their faith in daily living to a greater extent than non-Orthodox Jews (Flasch & Fulton, 2019).…”