Developing a culturally grounded mental health literacy framework for the United Arab Emirates using Grounded Theory and Delphi consensus

Abstract Mental health literacy (MHL) is essential for recognizing and managing mental disorders. However, existing frameworks are largely Western and may not reflect the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) collectivist and multicultural context. Limited research has examined how UAE healthcare professionals understand MHL, highlighting the need for a culturally grounded conceptual framework. This study established a culturally grounded framework for MHL specific to the United Arab Emirates. Using a two-phase design, healthcare professionals’ perspectives were explored through Grounded Theory, and expert consensus was established via the Delphi method. The analysis identified MHL as a multidimensional construct encompassing knowledge, attitudes, skills, and actions across four social levels: personal, interpersonal, organizational, and community. The Delphi panel (n = 10) achieved strong consensus (I-CVI ≥ 0.90; κ ≥ 0.74), thereby validating the operational definitions for the construct dimensions. The resulting model underscores MHL as an action-oriented, socially embedded competency shaped by cultural norms. This research contributes to the global discourse on MHL by introducing a collectivist, context-responsive perspective relevant to multicultural health systems. The findings provide a strong foundation for developing culturally sensitive training, policies, and mental health promotion strategies tailored to diverse populations.