Seiara Imanova
Seiara Imanova is a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, studying the Philosophy of Psychiatry. Her research interest explores the perception of mental disorder labels in student populations, examining Western and Middle Eastern views. She is also the host and producer of Behind the Stigma Podcast where she speaks with clinicians, researchers and educators on all things Psychology, Neuroscience and Mental Health. Her podcast was driven by her interest to bridge the gap between academia and the general public and make a meaningful contribution by increasing awareness on crucial issues in these fields.
Reimagining Mental Health Labels in a Changing World: A Cultural Perspective
Mental disorder labels play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward mental health (Link et al., 2011), influencing both self-identity and the broader societal understanding of psychological well-being (Kroska & Harknes, 2006). However, these labels are not universally neutral or uniformly interpreted. They are deeply embedded within cultural, historical, and socio-political contexts (Mills & Fernando, 2014). This presentation will explore the interplay between culture and mental disorder classifications, emphasizing the need for change in how these labels are conceptualized across diverse cultural settings.
Aligned with the IPCD 2025 theme of Change, this work will highlight the potential of moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to diagnostic frameworks, such as the DSM-5 and ICD-11 (Rief et al., 2023). Using a case study as an example, it will critique how these frameworks prioritize standardized classifications over an individual’s environmental and societal context. Additionally, it will apply the theory of looping effects to demonstrate how diagnostic labels interact with and shape one's identity.
Drawing from my PhD research, which explores students' perceptions of mental disorder labels cross-culturally (UK and UAE), this presentation serves as a foundation for my future empirical work in this area. It aims to explore whether a culturally sensitive perspective can more accurately reflect the lived experiences of individuals globally.
References:
Link, B. G., Phelan, J. C., Bresnahan, M., Stueve, A., & Pescosolido, B. A. (1999). Public conceptions of mental illness: labels, causes, dangerousness, and social distance. American journal of public health, 89(9), 1328-1333.
Kroska, A., & Harkness, S. K. (2006). Stigma sentiments and self-meanings: Exploring the modified labeling theory of mental illness. Social Psychology Quarterly, 69(4), 325-348.
Mills, C., & Fernando, S. (2014). Globalising mental health or pathologising the Global South? Mapping the ethics, theory and practice of global mental health. Disability and the Global South, 1(2), 188-202.
Rief, W., Hofmann, S. G., Berg, M., Forbes, M. K., Pizzagalli, D. A., Zimmermann, J., ... & Reed, G. M. (2023). Do we need a novel framework for classifying psychopathology? A discussion paper. Clinical Psychology in Europe, 5(4).