A Cultural Understanding of British Indian People’s Views of Recovery in Mental Illness

This thesis aimed to explore the views held by British Indians towards recovery in mental illness. Indian people in particular are under- represented in mental health statistics which can make it difficult to understand their views of mental illness. Understanding cultural perspectives can provide insight into the way in which Indian people conceptualise mental illness. Research related to Indian people’s attitudes towards mental illness was reviewed. The research demonstrated that Indian people were able to identify signs of mental illness however, lacked knowledge of certain aspects of mental illness and its causes. Differences in attitudes were influenced by gender, age, profession, education and generation. The review demonstrated an absence of research conducted outside of India, examining Indian people’s views of different aspects of mental illness such as recovery.
Due to this gap in research, Q methodology was used to obtain the views of British Indian people (from the Gujarati and Punjabi subgroups) regarding necessary factors for recovery in mental illness. A sample of 20 participants were asked to Q sort 52 statements pertaining to recovery based on their personal beliefs. Factor analysis revealed four factors representing a range of viewpoints related to recovery. A number of key aspects necessary for recovery were highlighted. Recovery was seen as a journey of self- discovery requiring insight and positivity and additionally, the importance of acceptance was identified. British Indians also preferred to keep mental health difficulties hidden due to a fear of stigmatisation from the wider community. The role of family members and spirituality was highlighted. Differences in viewpoints of British Indians born in the United Kingdom and those born in India and Africa are significant in understanding the impact of acculturation in help- seeking behaviours. The reflective commentary provides analysis of the research process and a reflexive account is presented