A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions of Mental Health Care in Kuwait

Abstract

Ten adult Kuwaitis (5 men and 5 women) participated in in-depth semistructured interviews regarding their perceptions of mental health care in Kuwait. The interviews were analyzed using grounded theory and the emergent theory identified stigma as being the overarching theme, supported by cultural factors, Islamic beliefs, and therapist characteristics. More specifically, participants described a relationship between the stigma of mental health care and prominent Kuwaiti cultural factors such as familialism, gossip, and the importance of reputation. Participants also discussed how Islam informs their perceptions of mental health care and ideal therapist characteristics that would possibly help reduce stigma. Implications for mental health care in Kuwait in light of the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Action Plan ( WHO, 2013 ) and directions for future research are also discussed.