Mental Illness in the Media: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

This research provides a comprehensive review of approximately 150 journal articles analyzing how mental illness is portrayed in the media, as well as the effects these representations have on the public’s attitudes, persons with mental illness themselves, and social policy. In addition, the websites of 43 prominent mental health organizations in the United States were analyzed to explore their involvement in addressing the portrayals of mental illness in the media. Prior research suggests that mental illness portrayals in the media are disproportionately negative, promote inaccurate images and stereotypes, create negative public attitudes toward individuals with mental illness, have adverse effects on persons with mental illness themselves, and influence relevant social policy. Both the literature review and website analysis suggest that the United States is lagging behind other countries in addressing negative media portrayals of mental illness and their consequences.