Mauritius

According to the International Organisation of Health the Republic of Mauritius has had the highest suicide rate in Africa. While there are no statistics available for the prevalence of depressive disorder among Mauritian adolescents, the low rate of mental health specialists (approximately 1 psychiatrist and 1 psychologist per 100,000 of population) (World Health Organisation, 2005) suggests a high level of unmet need for the treatment of mental disorders, and is a strong argument for the need to assess preventative programs. 

Subsequently, there were no psychology degrees which were offered at the University of Mauritius (UoM), However in the year 2002, a Bachelor of Science degree in social science was first offered with a specialisation in Psychology. However, all practising Mauritians mental health practitioners have received a psychology training in a foreign country such as Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, France and India. According to the World Health Organization (2007) has emphasised that raising the awareness and importance of mental health at social and governmental levels must be a priority in low- and middle-in- come countries (such as South Africa and Mauritius). Considering the relationship between Psychology and social context, especially within the critical psychology literature (Prilleltensky & Nelson 2002), students’ views of applied psychology’s usefulness to their communities can provide significant insights for academics and teachers of the subject.