Ndlazi, Simphiwe2025-07-242024Ndlazi, Simphiwe . (2024). Perceptions of Mental Health in low-middle- income South Africa [Master`s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/45706A research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts in the Field of Psychology, In the Faculty of Humanities, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024Mental health is an important contributing factor to well-being. Understanding mental health is crucial in influencing an individual’s help-seeking behaviour. This study aimed to explore and discover perceptions of mental health in Low-Middle income (LMI) communities in the South African context, as well as gain an in-depth understanding of what informs the perceptions of mental health. Furthermore, the aim was to establish information on the role of perceptions of mental health. Finally, the aim was to contribute to the current scope of knowledge on perceptions of mental health and improve the academic research attention given to perceptions of mental health in the South African context. The study employed a qualitative approach and used one-on-one, semi-structured interviews as a method of data collection. Seven individuals above the age of eighteen years were invited to be participants. Based on the findings, mental health is recognised in LMI communities however, it is also stigmatised. It has been discovered that financial strain and joblessness are major contributors to mental health issues among LMI communities. Additionally, individuals have reported insufficient mental health resources and care within these communities, including a shortage of qualified professionals in public clinics. This study has the potential to improve the awareness on the prevalent perspectives and stigma surrounding mental health and other significant mental health issues in LMI communities, such as resource allocation. The study also highlights the urgency of developing effective policies and tailored interventions that are context-sensitive to address the disparities in quality mental health care in LMI communities.en© 2024 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.UCTDContext-based interventionsLow-Middle income communitiesmental healthsocioeconomic statusSouth AfricawellbeingDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSDG-3: Good health and well-being