Diversity and Inclusion in Mental Health: A Collaborative Online International Learning Experience

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Mental Health Nursing
• Cross-cultural Psychology

Background:

• Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) fosters cross-cultural understanding.
• Mental health care requires sensitivity to diverse cultural perspectives and inclusion.
• Addressing eugenics and cultural bias is crucial for equitable mental health services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance global perspectives and cultural competencies in diversity and inclusion within mental health.
• To examine changes in student thinking regarding eugenics, cultural bias in research, culture and mental illness, and policy.

Main Methods:

• A Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) experience was conducted in Fall Semester 2021.
• Graduate and undergraduate students from the US and Ecuador participated.
• Students collaboratively created and presented educational posters on diversity and inclusion in mental health.

Main Results:

• Students engaged in discussions on critical areas of diversity and inclusion in mental health.
• The COIL experience facilitated the development of global perspectives and cultural competencies.
• Educational posters highlighted key issues in mental health diversity and inclusion.

Conclusions:

• COIL is an effective pedagogical approach for developing global perspectives on mental health diversity.
• Intercultural collaboration can enhance understanding of cultural bias in mental health.
• Student engagement in creating educational materials promotes awareness of inclusion in mental health care.