Negotiating the pathways into care in a globalizing world: help-seeking behaviour of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parents.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The study of the pathways into care as a social process subject to a wide range of influences is needed to build appropriate and effective mental health services for culturally diverse societies. MATERIAL Grounded theory and situational analysis of 21 in-depth interviews explores the help-seeking behaviour of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parents: which help-seeking pathways parents follow and how they make the decision to consult regular services for their child. DISCUSSION Three help-seeking pathways are influenced by globalization dynamics and gender: parents draw on diverse parenting discourses and strategies, socio-religious frameworks and cultural realities. CONCLUSION Strategies are suggested to enhance the accessibility of services.