Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Mental Health Stigma As A Sociocultural Complex Within Panamanian Culture, Arielle Sanders

Journal of Vincentian Social Action

The purpose of this study is to examine mental health stigma within the sociocultural context shared by members of the Panamanian population. Mental health stigma is complex because it manifests itself differently according to the cultural context in which it is experienced. Culture informs individual beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes regarding how a person should live within their immediate household and within society. This social conditioning is accomplished through a variety of means, including the passing down of social norms, traditions, and customs. Ultimately, these cultural characteristics encourage socially acceptable behaviors while simultaneously discouraging undesirable behaviors in order to maintain group …