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13 - Unpacking Cultural Influences on Stigma of People with Mental Illness between Group-Oriented and Individual-Oriented Cultures

from Part III - Stigma and Mental Health in Specific Contexts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2022

By
Ben C. L. Yu  and
Winnie W. S. Mak
Edited by
David L. Vogel  and
Nathaniel G. Wade
David L. Vogel
Affiliation:
Iowa State University
Nathaniel G. Wade
Affiliation:
Iowa State University
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Summary

Although the phenomenon of stigma is global, its manifestation and impact are culturally bound. This chapter examines some of the culturally salient factors that have been investigated empirically in understanding cross-cultural differences between relatively group-oriented cultures situated in East Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan) with cultures that are relatively more individual-oriented such as countries in Europe and North America (e.g., United States, Canada, United Kingdom). These factors include supernatural beliefs, face concern, and conformity. The internalization process of stigma is also discussed within the cultural context in order to account for possible nuances in the experience of stigma. Recent directions in stigma research such as affiliate stigma and self-stigma process are introduced to highlight the importance of emic approach in the understanding of stigma within specific cultural context.

Keywords

group-oriented culturesindividual-oriented culturespublic stigmaself-stigmaaffiliate stigmaetic/emiccultural mechanism
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Stigma and Mental Health , pp. 263 - 281
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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