A Scoping Review of Associations Between Ethno-Cultural Context and Mental Health in Canada

Abstract

It is unclear how ethno-cultural concentration of residential areas relates to the mental health of immigrant, refugee, ethno-cultural, and racialized (IRER) groups. Communities of higher ethno-cultural density are theorized to support IRER groups’ mental health via community supports, access to culturally/linguistically appropriate healthcare, and lower discrimination/stigma. This article reviewed quantitative studies that examined relationships between communities’ ethno-cultural density and mental health among IRER groups in Canada. Eleven of the sixteen reviewed studies (almost 70%) observed protective associations between ethno-cultural density and mental health; patterns were more mixed for studies with child populations, suggesting associations may differ based on developmental phases. Findings suggested there was more support in protective associations of higher areal ethno-cultural density with regard to community mental health of IRER groups in Canada.

Institutional Factors Affecting Postsecondary Student Mental Wellbeing: A Scoping Review of the Canadian Literature

“…Broadly, there was a shortage of evidence from Atlantic provinces, Prairie provinces, and territories. Postsecondary institutions vary in their student population size, demographics, mental health supports, contexts, and needs [15,65]. Therefore, findings from this review may not apply to all postsecondary institutions in Canada due to their diverse campus contexts and needs.…”

Caught between two worlds: mental health literacy and stigma among bicultural youth

“…However, many students—especially bicultural students—report them as being ineffective due to the lack of cultural sensitivity and awareness of the unique cultural experiences of bicultural youth (Amri & Bemak, 2012 ). The lack of multicultural understanding among mental health professionals may also contribute to a disconnect, posing challenges for bicultural individuals in feeling adequately supported and understood (Emerson et al, 2021 ; Hampton & Sharp, 2014 ). Another reason for this disconnect may be the stigma associated with mental health help-seeking in various cultural communities (Altweck et al, 2015 ).…”

“…Another reason for this disconnect may be the stigma associated with mental health help-seeking in various cultural communities (Altweck et al, 2015 ). There may be discrepancies in beliefs about mental health between bicultural youths’ culture of origin and the country they live in (Emerson et al, 2021 ). This nuanced perspective is poorly understood and there is little research exploring mental health literacy and stigma that could support a deeper understanding of this issue.…”

“…The incidence of mental health stigma in collectivist cultures may discourage individuals from professional help-seeking (Altweck et al, 2015 ; Nguyen & Bornheimer, 2014 ; Pang et al, 2017 ). Shame resulting from mental health stigma in one’s heritage culture community may be a reason for the low mental health service utilization of acculturating individuals (Amri & Bemak, 2012 ; Emerson et al, 2021 ; Hampton & Sharp, 2014 ). The desire to protect the family reputation and honour in collectivist cultures—e.g., to attract marriage partners for children—may also drive low service utilization (Gopalkrishnan, 2018 ; Uhlich et al, 2022 ).…”

Ageing and Mental Health in Canada: Perspectives from Law, Policy, and Longitudinal Research

“…As Canada enters the second decade of the new millennium, mitigating discrimination and barriers to accessing mental health care is at the forefront of policy and service delivery. In Canada's cultural mosaic, protective associations have been observed in communities with higher ethno-cultural density; thereby supporting community mental health through access to culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare reducing stigma or discrimination, although more research is necessary to understand the nuanced implications for older adults specifically (Emerson et al, 2021). Organizational policies, behaviour patterns, and practices that reinforce or create disadvantages for people living with mental illness are categorized as systemic discrimination (Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2015).…”