This paper aims to explore the experiences of mental health-related stigma among youth in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, particularly emerging in the context of families through parental attitudes. Although the existing research has focused on families as victim or recipient of stigma related to mental health, the role of families in perpetuating this stigma remains under-researched. This study investigates origins of such stigma operating within families and its impact on youth.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 youth participants in Dubai. Thematic analysis was used as method of analysis.
Findings show that parental attitudes or beliefs towards mental health are predominantly stigmatizing in nature that discourages disclosure and open dialogue among youth and renders them vulnerable to self-stigmatization. Stigma internalized by the youth manifests in the form of their low self-worth, negative self-perception and worsening their mental health challenges.
This paper contributes to nuanced understanding of stigma operating in informal settings such as families and establishes family as a site of intervention to mitigate stigma towards mental health of youth in early stages.
