The Influence Of Cultural Context On The Representation Of Mental Health In World Literature

Authors: Prafulla Dubey, Dr Devangna Pareek

Abstract: This study examines the influence of cultural context on the representation of mental health in world literature. While mental illness is often discussed within medical and psychological frameworks, literary narratives reveal that perceptions of mental health are deeply shaped by cultural beliefs, social norms, religious values, and historical experiences. Through a comparative textual analysis of selected works from Western, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern literary traditions, this paper explores how different cultures construct, interpret, and narrate psychological distress. The study demonstrates that Western literature frequently emphasizes individual consciousness, introspection, and medicalized understandings of mental illness, whereas non-Western literary traditions often frame psychological suffering within collective, spiritual, or socio-political contexts. In many African and Asian narratives, mental health is interconnected with community relationships, family honor, spirituality, and cultural expectations. Similarly, postcolonial literature frequently portrays psychological trauma as intertwined with colonial history, displacement, and identity conflict. By highlighting cross-cultural differences and similarities, this research argues that literature functions not only as a mirror of cultural attitudes toward mental health but also as a powerful tool for challenging stigma and fostering empathy. The findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive literary analysis and suggest that world literature can contribute meaningfully to global conversations on mental health awareness and destigmatization.