Committed to expanding the understanding of mental health stigma, Sebastian Gyamfi, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Nursing, aims to advance equity in mental health care.

His journey into mental health began with a personal push from his mother and has since focused on improving care practices. From Dr. Gyamfi’s early academic days in Ghana to earning his PhD at Western University, he has concentrated on addressing stigma and promoting well-being.

Gyamfi’s research examines key predictors of stigma among marginalized populations and develops strategies to inform health and social programming. He hopes to foster a collaborative environment, bringing together experts in the field to develop solutions that drive social change and address issues such as health inequity, homelessness, and social inclusion among vulnerable and marginalized groups.

DailyNews will showcase the contributions and insights of members of the Black Scholars Institute leading up to its official launch on Sept. 26 and connected with Gyamfi to discuss his research goals and experience in the mental health field.

Q: Tell us about your research interests and what projects you’d like to pursue at UWindsor:

A: I intend to contribute to global mental health by widening the scope of contemporary stigma theory through my research, which is situated within three pillars: health and well-being, social inclusion, and social justice. My research focuses on two key areas: (1) identifying key predictors of stigma among marginalized persons, especially individuals with mental health problems, and (2) developing appropriate remedial strategies and guidelines to inform health and social programming. I apply both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in research to generate evidence by delving into sociocultural paradigms for best practice initiatives in mental health care.

Q: Can you share a bit about your academic journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in mental health?

A: My academic journey was not a straightforward one. Initially, I had no desire to become a mental health professional due to the associated stigma. It was my mother’s persuasion that led me into this field. However, once I entered the program, I found my passion and felt that this was the right place for me. I have never looked back since. After earning my diploma in mental health, I pursued my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana. After teaching at various universities and colleges for about eight years, I received a scholarship to complete my PhD at Western University in London, Ontario. Prior to joining the University of Windsor, I taught at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University.

Q: What led you to become a part of the Black Scholars Institute?

A: My decision to join the Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor was influenced by my deep-seated desire to instruct, guide, and mentor students, a role I have fulfilled with satisfaction over the years in both Ghana and Canada. Joining the BSI presents an opportunity to bring my over 10 years of international teaching experience, mental health expertise, research skills, and knowledge to ongoing education and scholarship. I am committed to supporting the growth and development of the Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor.

Q: Could you explain the significance of your work and research interests?

A: Looking ahead, my medium- to long-term goal is to foster a collaborative environment with other experts in the field of mental health and stigma. Together, we can develop innovative solutions that drive social change and address mental health stigma and structural violence, health inequity, homelessness, community integration, and social inclusion among vulnerable and marginalized populations. My research has implications for dynamic stigma theory development, mental health promotion, and well-being while improving social equity, resilience, and inclusion for marginalized groups, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC).

Q: What do you believe are some of the most pressing challenges in your field today?

A: The historical, social, religiocultural, and institutional embeddedness of mental illness stigma makes it difficult for society and other social institutions to ensure equity for all within the social space. The stigma attached to mental health care is still an ongoing phenomenon due to the inherent power differences between those who consider themselves ‘normal’ and those society perceives as ‘sick’ or ‘not normal.’ Globally, governments are either hesitant or unwilling to invest in mental health research and care. Stigma remains a double jeopardy for marginalized persons with mental illness, especially for BIPOC, in relation to access and appropriate support.

Q: In what ways do you hope your research and work will influence policy and mental health care?

A: Religious pluralism and multiculturalism are major strengths of Canada. However, religiocultural and structural competency tools for caring for diverse People of Colour are still lacking. I hope to integrate research findings from the individual, social, organizational, and structural levels into a multidisciplinary action plan to inform social and health policy to address inherent social inequities that undermine the social determinants of health for marginalized groups. I intend to enhance equity and increase the social involvement of persons with mental illness by collaborating with key stakeholders to (a) review and propose suggestions to strengthen or enforce existing mental health legislation, (b) formulate key ideas to inform or transform mental health educational programs, (c) inform and engage with policymakers to make resources available to assist and empower welfare groups in supporting marginalized populations, and (d) increase public advocacy and engage employers and employees to support the rehabilitation of individuals with mental health issues.