Mental health’s address to the challenging cultural reality of Malta

Abstract

Appreciation of society as being the whole made up of so many different parts in terms of groups with various interests, skills and needs is what cultural diversity is about. Culture is defined as the distinctive customs, values, beliefs, knowledge, art and language of a society. Multiculturalism has always been embedded with the Maltese reality. However, a steep increase in the country’s population since 2011 may be presenting new realities that can translate into hefty and challenging demands. This review therefore presents the following research-based evidence on how mental health can address this phenomenon, particularly in the case of Malta and similar small countries. In particular, the following aspects were highlighted, namely: cultural safety, holistic health services, multicultural awareness, sensitive lingual expression, community integrity and cultural partnership. Practical recommendations are presented.