Mental illness in media

Mental illnesses, also known as psychiatric disorders, are often inaccurately portrayed in the media. Films, television programs, books, magazines, and news programs often stereotype the mentally ill as being violent, unpredictable, or dangerous, unlike the great majority of those who experience mental illness.[1] As media is often the primary way people are exposed to mental illnesses, when portrayals are inaccurate, they further perpetuate stereotypes, stigma, and discriminatory behavior.[2] When the public stigmatizes the mentally ill,[3] people with mental illnesses become less likely to seek treatment or support for fear of being judged or rejected by the public.[4] However, with proper support, not only are most of those with psychiatric disorders able to function adequately in society, but many are able to work successfully and make substantial contributions to society.[5]

  1. ^ Stout, P. A.; Villegas, J.; Jennings, N. A. (2004-01-01). "Images of Mental Illness in the Media: Identifying Gaps in the Research". Schizophrenia Bulletin. 30 (3): 543–561. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.schbul.a007099. ISSN 0586-7614. PMID 15631244.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Wahl-1995-5 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Corrigan PW, Watson AC (2002). "The paradox of self-stigma and mental illness". Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. 9 (9): 35–53. doi:10.1093/clipsy.9.1.35.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Peter Lang-2020-4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Franks Fund for Research on Stigma". Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Archived from the original on 2014-02-17. Retrieved 2014-03-04.