engleski

How distorted is the picture of mentally ill people in print media and who is to balme?

Printed media present a very powerful channel through which information can be transferred into society. However, regarding depictions of mental illness, newspapers and magazines became rather social structures for perpetuating stigma. This international comparative study describes the content of media messages about mental health/illness in terms of stigma in three central European countries. The study sample comprised all articles pertaining to the topic of mental health/illness (N=450) identified during five week-long periods in 2007 chosen from the six most widely read newspapers and magazines. Content analysis methods were used to achieve quantitative as well as qualitative objectives. We have found that more than half of all articles contained negative statements reflecting stigma towards persons with mental illness. Substance abuse disorders were identified as the most frequent mental conditions covered in all three countries (22%) and psychotic disorders as the most stigmatized ones. Countries significantly differ in length of articles, the association of aggressive behavior with persons with mental illness, and in the use of a sensationalized style of writing. Coverage of mental health/illness issues differs to some extent across countries, but is generally of poor quality. There is an imminent need to start organized activities like joint education workshops for journalists and mental health professionals in order to attenuate the stigmatizing potential surrounding mental illnesses. On both sides much can be done which will ultimately enhance overall quality of media representations. This will not only benefit those suffering so far from the negative stereotyping of mental illness, but also society as a whole.

mental illness; stigma; print media

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