Examination of Cultural Influences on Mental Health Among College Students in Chinese Healthcare Educational Institutions

Abstract

The intricate relationship between culture and mental health has been a subject of fascination and study throughout history, often explored through artistic expressions and cultural narratives. In popular culture, perceptions of mental illness frequently paint individuals with mental health disorders as aggressive or as intriguing outsiders, deviating from societal norms. Such portrayals, while adding a layer of intrigue in media representations, can often oversimplify and stigmatize mental health issues, creating a misleading and one[1]dimensional view of those experiencing mental illnesses. In this study, we delve into the nuanced role of popular culture, particularly through the lens of digital media accessibility via smartphones, in shaping mental health perceptions among college students in Chinese healthcare educational institutions. This research aims to uncover how cultural representations and norms influence the mental wellbeing of these students, considering the unique socio-cultural context of China. Our study involved a cohort of students, who, over the course of a month, engaged with an AI-driven mental health awareness program via their smartphones. The findings revealed a notable increase in stress awareness, a decrease in symptoms related to depression, and the adoption of more effective stress management techniques. Interestingly, participants who received AI-generated suggestions without the ability to modify them tended to adopt more beneficial coping strategies, highlighting the impact of guided digital interventions in mental health management. This research underscores the potent influence of cultural narratives and digital media on the mental health of college students in healthcare institutions in China. By examining the intersection of culture, digital media, and mental health, this study provides insights into how popular culture, mediated through technology, can both challenge and reinforce mental health stigmas and practices in a specific educational and cultural setting.