Date of Conferral

11-18-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Dr. Joe Savage

Abstract

This study addressed the impact of stigma and cultural beliefs on help-seeking behaviors among the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. The importance of this issue lies in its potential to increase access to mental health services and foster well-being among Igbo community members who might be harmed by stigma and cultural barriers. The study's theoretical framework was the cultural theory of mental illness, which emphasizes how cultural values and beliefs influence how people perceive and express their mental health. This study aimed to offer guidance for interventions and programs that address mental health disparities in the Igbo community by comprehending the influence of stigma and cultural beliefs on help-seeking behaviors. To collect rich and in-depth narratives from the 20 participants, the study used a phenomenological research design with semi structured interviews. The data were analyzed using a thematic approach. The study's key findings give a thorough understanding of the stigmatization and cultural barriers that the Igbo community encounters when trying to access mental health services. In addition to highlighting the significance of addressing stigma to promote mental health care utilization, positive social change implications center on enhancing mental health literacy, especially within rural and semiurban populations and prioritizing mental health within national health strategies, particularly in the context of Nigeria's Universal Health Coverage objectives.

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