Generational Differences and Gender Role Beliefs on Mental Health Stigma among Sri Lankan Women

Abstract

Mental health stigma (MHS) remains a key barrier to psychological well-being in Sri Lanka, where cultural norms and gender expectations heavily influence help-seeking. Against this backdrop, the present study examined how gender role beliefs and generational differences shape mental health stigma among Sri Lankan women and whether these variables interact. A total of 250 Sri Lankan women aged 18-60 fromGenerations X, Y, and Z were recruited through online data collection, with generational groups assigned based on birth year. Gender role beliefs were measured using the Gender Role Beliefs Scale – Short Version (GRBS), and stigma was assessed using the Social Stigma for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH). A 2x3 factorial arrangement was designed, and data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. Results indicated that women endorsing traditional gender role beliefs reported significantly higher stigma, while the interaction between gender role beliefs and generation was not significant. The findings highlight gender role beliefs as a stronger predictor of stigma than generation, underscoring the need for belief-focused, culturally sensitive interventions in Sri Lanka.