Authors:
Marthoenis
1
;
2
Affiliations:
1
Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Indonesia
;
2
Indonesia
Keyword(s):
Cultural Background, Social Support, Mental Health, College Student
Abstract:
The present study aims to examine perceived social supports, self-esteem and perceived stigma by different cultural groups of student and its consequences to their mental health. Methods: Students with German, Indonesian and Turkish backgrounds studying in Berlin were invited to participate in the study. The students were requested to complete four instruments: General health questionnaire, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, social strain (F-Sozu), and devaluation discrimination scale in their own languages. Correlation analysis, independent sample t-test and analysis of variance were used according to the type of data. Results: Cultural background was associated significantly with psychological distress, personal self-esteem, perceived social support and devaluation discrimination towards mental illness. Student from Indonesia had a lower self-esteem and lower perceived social support but also had a less psychological distress and fewer stigmas towards people with mental disorder. Conclus
ion: Cultural background of students has a significant impact to their psychological distress, self-esteem, perceived social support and stigma towards mental disorder. The Indonesian student studying in Berlin should improve their self-esteem and social supports.
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