Chinese Australians’ Attitudes towards the Stigma of Mental Illness: Analysis Using Structural Equation Modelling with AMOS

Tan Kan Ku,Michael Ha

doi:10.4236/jbm.2021.96017

Abstract

Aim: The quantitative study aims to elucidate the relationship between contact factor with someone who has a mental illness, cultural values, and differential approaches towards mental illness (depression versus schizophrenia) among 138 Chinese immigrants in Australia. The study results aim to provide community mental health literacy program to immigrants in Australia that seek to lessen their attitudes of stigma towards mental illness. Method: A cross-sectional survey (General Population Questionnaire) comprising of 118 items) was administered to 138 Chinese immigrants (96 female and 42 male) to examine their Cultural Affiliation (Chinese versus Australian Identification). Factor analyses were conducted to examine the discriminant validity of the subscales. Findings: Chinese Australians endorsed more Chinese Culture Identification than Australian Culture Identification. These immigrants endorsed more highly collectivist values than individualistic values. Stigma factors (social distancing and negative stereotyping attitudes) correlated negatively with readiness to give support to the depression vignette than the schizophrenia vignette. Pearson’s correlation matrix and Hierarchical Regression Analyses when cultural values and vignette approaches were considered as influencing factors—details of the subsequent findings will be reported in another paper. Conclusion: Several Structured Equation Models suggested that attitudinal approaches towards someone with a mental illness and stigma are associated with Contact level and Cultural Affiliation. Contact is better placed as a mediating factor.

Highlights

This paper provides the analysis of 138 Chinese Australians’ attitudes towards mental illness and whether acculturation has an effect on stigma
The study results aim to provide community mental health literacy program to immigrants in Australia that seek to lessen their attitudes of stigma towards mental illness
Several Structured Equation Models suggested that attitudinal approaches towards someone with a mental illness and stigma are associated with Contact level and Cultural Affiliation

Summary

Introduction

Background This paper provides the analysis of 138 Chinese Australians’ attitudes towards mental illness and whether acculturation has an effect on stigma. As part of the design of a PhD study of Chinese immigrants’ cultural values, their contact level with people who have a mental illness and whether Saving face, and Social Comparison affect their attitudes between a case of depression and schizophrenia in vignette format. Literature review It was well documented in the international literature/thesis that Chinese immigrants under-utilised mental health services in Australia [1] [2] [3] [4]. This was partly due to Chinese indigenous way of conceptualising mental illness and attributing it to “fate”; a preference to somatising as “normal physical symptom” [5]. Diversified contacts with people with a mental illness [9] [10] lessen stigma measured using the Social Distancing Scale and improved attitude towards the perception of mental illness [11]

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion