Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025

Multimodal Optical Microscopy Methods Reveal Polyp Tissue Morphology and Structure in Caribbean Reef Building Corals
Published on: September 5, 2014
Cultural Influences on Mental Health Provision in the Caribbean: How Do Contemporary Perceptions and Beliefs About
Oscar Noel Ocho1, Calvin Moorley2, Claudine Richardson Sheppard1
1University of the West Indies (UWISoN), St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
Introduction:
Mental illness is a global phenomenon in society, including trained health professionals, often responding to people with mental illness based on perceptions and beliefs. The research examined "contemporary perceptions and beliefs about mental illness held by stakeholders" attending a mental health symposium in Trinidad.
Methods:
Data were collected using a 43-item questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Overall, 84 attendees working directly or experienced in mental health completed the survey.
Results:
Respondents believed mental illness should be treated within local community settings. Participants who were more comfortable sharing their mental health diagnosis with friends were more likely to share with others, including their employers. There was a relationship between perception of the superstitious causes of mental illness and its effects on healing.
Discussion:
Qualifications and experience in mental health do not reduce stigma associated with mental illness which has implications for addressing mental health literacy among health professionals.
Related Concept Videos
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Cultural Influences on Personality
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...

