Explanatory model of psychosis: impact on perception of self-stigma by patients in three sub-saharan African cities

Abstract

There is a greater tendency for persons with high levels of self-stigma than those with low levels to ascribe supernatural attribution to their experience of a severe mental health condition.

The predictors of treatment pathways to mental health services among consumers in Ghana

“…The minority sub‐groups could face some sociocultural, political, and economic constraints, which translates to limited utilization of mental health services. Generally, most ethnic groups and communities in Ghana ascribe the etiology of mental illness to supernatural causes and spirituality . Going back to the sociocultural factors, perhaps a possible explanation of this disparity in utilization of mental health services lies in the strength of the belief of such minority ethnicities in such supernatural causes of mental illness, which could influence their health‐seeking behavior.…”

“…Further, the mental health act of 2012 seems to present a new era of enlightenment or attitudinal shift toward people living with mental illness, however, there is continuous stigma and discrimination perpetuated against consumers of mental health services. 10,19,[29][30][31] The stigma and discrimination suggest that mental illness has supernatural and spiritual causality and so works to agitate the people who predominately believe in faith healing. The media who are expected to change public perception of mental illness rather depict it in a negative light.…”

Stigma of mental illness and substance misuse in sub‐Saharan African migrants: A qualitative study

“…While the stigma of mental illness and substance misuse is considered a universal phenomenon, some cultural groups experience greater stigma than others (Koschorke et al 2014). Stigma has significant consequences for help seeking, including problem recognition, initiation of help seeking, and engagement with support services (Makanjuola et al 2016). Consequently, many immigrant groups are reluctant to access mental health services (Dockery et al 2015).…”

“…This is frequently typified by possession by evil spirits and being a victim of witchcraft or the wrath of God. In contrast, mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, are often not identified as a mental illness, but as a normal reaction to, for example, difficult life circumstances (Amuyunzu-Nyamongo 2013;Makanjuola et al 2016). Therefore, mental illness is regarded as a taboo subject that attracts considerable stigma, and people with psychotic disorders in particular are frequently feared and avoided (Amuyunzu-Nyamongo 2013).…”

“…Self-stigma is also common in people with severe mental illness, especially those who attribute it to supernatural causes. In a study of self-stigma by people with severe mental illnesses in Ibadan (Nigeria), Kumasi (Ghana), and Nairobi (Kenya), Makanjuola et al (2016) found a greater propensity for participants with high levels of self-stigma to attribute supernatural causes to their illness than those with low levels.…”