Cultural norms and religious coping: Barriers to mental health help-seeking among Egyptians in domestic and western contexts

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Summer 5-22-2026

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Mental health stigma and religious coping heavily influence professional help-seeking, but their collective cross-cultural impact on Egyptians remains underexplored.

Objective: The aim of this mixed-methods study was to explore mental health help-seeking attitudes among Egyptians in cross-cultural settings, with a focus on the roles of cultural norms and religious coping.

Methods: This mixed-methods study surveyed 115 Muslim Egyptians in domestic and Western contexts. Quantitative data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and general linear model (GLM) mediation, alongside rigorous thematic analysis of qualitative responses.

Results: Quantitative analysis (n = 115), employing ANCOVA and a GLM for mediation, revealed that cultural masculinity norms significantly contributed to less positive attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Egyptian men, regardless of age or residence (Egypt versus Western countries). Positive religious coping significantly mediated the relationship between Western residence and help-seeking attitudes (indirect effect: β = 0.076, z = 2.22, p = 0.027, 95% confidence interval [0.312–2.052]). Specifically, Western residence predicted lower reliance on positive religious coping (β = −0.276, z = −3.08, p = 0.002), which in turn was associated with more favorable help-seeking attitudes (β = −0.277, z = −3.20, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Qualitative thematic and comparative analyses expanded on these findings, identifying key barriers such as cultural stigma, associating mental health problems with “madness,” rejection of help-seeking by older generations, and the influence of “toxic masculinity” in suppressing men’s willingness to seek professional support. Religion emerged as a complex barrier, with participants often prioritizing religious practices over therapy despite acknowledging no religious prohibition against seeking professional help. Additional barriers included mistrust of providers, financial challenges, and misconceptions about mental health services. Practical implications emphasize the importance of targeted educational programs in schools and universities to reduce stigma, challenge cultural stereotypes, and encourage open discussions about mental health, particularly among younger populations. These efforts could foster societal change and improve acceptance of mental health support.

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