The Role of Culture in Mental Illness Perspectives in the Quebec Population

The study assesses the variations in perspectives toward mental illness in the Quebec general population. The study sampled 293 individuals living within the province of Quebec, targeting a culturally diverse sample. They were sampled through a small liberal arts university and community associations. The study used a quantitative self-report approach comprising questions regarding cultural background (e.g., ethnicity) and personal factors (e.g., education level) as well as perspectives, knowledge, and behaviors towards mental illness. Significant differences in perspectives towards mental illness emerged for cultural background based on time spent in Canada, for knowledge (greater knowledge associated with more positive perspectives towards mental illness), and multiple personal factors, except for gender. The results provide a more comprehensive view of variations based on cultural background and personal factors associated with mental illness stigma in the Quebec population