Yoshibumi Nakane|Anthony F. Jorm|Kumiko Yoshioka|Helen Christensen|Hideyuki Nakane|Kathleen M Griffiths
Public beliefs about causes and risk factors for mental disorders: a comparison of Japan and Australia
Nagasaki International University|Orygen|University of Melbourne|Nagasaki International University|Australian National University|Nagasaki University|Australian National University
surveys public range western countries shown predominant belief social stressors causes mental disorders however little direct crosscultural comparison report comparison public beliefs causes mental disorders japan australiasurveys public carried country using similar methodology feasible countries household interviews carried concerning beliefs causes risk factors relation one four case vignettes describing either depression depression suicidal thoughts early schizophrenia chronic schizophrenia japan survey involved 2000 adults aged 20 69 25 regional sites spread across country australia survey involved national sample 3998 adults aged 18 years overin countries social personal vulnerability causes commonly endorsed across vignettes major differences causal beliefs australians likely believe infection allergy genetics japanese likely endorse nervous person weakness character risk factors australians tended believe women young poor risk depression seen higher risk groups japanesein japan australia public predominant belief social causes risk factors personal vulnerability factors also seen important however also major differences countries belief weakness character cause stronger japan particular concern may reduce likelihood seeking professional help support others