Masters Thesis

Examining the concept of mental health and mental health care utilization: an exploratory study of the role of culture within the Assyrian community

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of culture and its impact on mental health and mental health services within members of the Assyrian community in Central California. A qualitative research design was utilized, and in-depth interviews were conducted with eight Assyrian individuals who attend Assyrian churches in Central California. The design of this study allowed the researcher to capture the lived experiences of participants. The findings indicated that the lived experiences and the role of culture were factors that impacted the way that participants viewed mental health and mental health services. Participants described mental health as overall well-being and described that the role of mental health within their culture was often ignored. Furthermore, the lack of conversation around mental health made participants hesitant to receive services or treatment because of the fear of what others would say. In addition, participants identified external emotional support including faith, religion, family and friends that they would turn to before receiving mental health services. Participants shared traits that they would like to see in providers and in treatment. The findings identified some of the key values of the Assyrian culture; however, more cultural studies are needed to better understand the needs of ethnically diverse populations.

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