A study indicating the relationship of illiteracy with mental illness

A study indicating the relationship of illiteracy with mental illness

New research from the University of East Anglia has found that people with poor literacy experience more problems mindset around the world.

This study is the first of its kind to look at the global picture of literacy and mental health. It shows that 14% of the world's population suffers from illiteracy or has little ability to read and write, while that percentage represents a segment that has been shown to be more likely to suffer from mental health problems such as loneliness, depression and anxiety, according to Neuroscience News.

The researchers, who are professors in the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of East Anglia, said their findings disproportionately affect women, who represent two-thirds of the world's illiterates.

Dr Bonnie Teague, from Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia, said: “Despite the rise in literacy rates over the past 773 years, there are still an estimated XNUMX million adults globally who cannot read or write. That “literacy rates are lower in developing countries and countries with histories of conflict and women are disproportionately affected.”

Teague added that it is known that “people with better literacy tend to have better social outcomes in terms of factors such as finding work, getting good salaries, and being able to provide better food and housing.” Whereas the inability to read or write hinders a person throughout their life and they often fall into poverty or become more likely to commit crime.”

She also added that “a low level of literacy is linked to poor health, chronic diseases, and a shorter life expectancy,” noting that “there is some research looking at the potential link between literacy and mental health, but the new study is the first of its kind, looking at The issue is on a global scale.”

In turn, Dr Lucy Hoon, who participated in the systematic study, as part of her PhD project in clinical psychology training at the University of East Anglia, said that “information related to mental health and literacy was used to assess the reported global relationship between these two factors,” stressing What was found was that there was a "significant association between literacy and mental health outcomes in several countries".

Hoon explained that "illiterate people suffer from greater mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression," explaining that it cannot be said "with certainty that poor literacy leads to a deterioration in mental health, but there is a strong association."

She concluded by saying that the results of the study “highlight the importance of educating mental health services to support illiteracy eradication efforts,” in order to reduce the negative effects on the level of mental health and the social and financial conditions of illiterate people.

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