Psychosis in the Media

When it comes to the media, what can individuals truly believe? Media is a key source of information about mental illness for the public, and research indicates that it frequently presents dramatic and distorted portrayals, emphasizing dangerousness, criminality, and unpredictability. This type of content can produce negative reactions to the individuals living with mental illness, including fear, rejection, and ridicule.

Media portrayals in which severe mental illness is linked to violence can be among the most stigmatizing representations of mental illness. More specifically, when it comes to more complex mental illnesses such as psychosis and schizophrenia, media coverage tends to emphasize negative aspects of the illness, often choosing to focus on painting a picture of violence, unpredictability, and danger to others. It is important that the media provides an accurate portrayal of individuals with severe mental illness. Individuals living with severe mental illness rarely act violently towards others and are more likely to display other factors such as withdrawal from others and changes in affect. In fact, individuals living with serious mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than the perpetrator.
The consequences of negative media coverage for individuals living with mental illness, as well as for their families, are profound. Negative media portrayals can lead to the individual internalizing the media coverage and assuming it as the attitudes of others. In turn, individuals may withdraw from social networks due to fear of stigma or discrimination, leading to negative effects on self-esteem, recovery, and increased distress.

However, research shows the media can play an important role in challenging these stereotypes. Portrayals that are accurate, informative, and stigma-challenging have been found to positively influence the public's beliefs about mental illness. When media raises awareness and challenges outdated behaviors and myths around mental illness, the public remains a cohesive and empathetic society.

Inaccurate and stigmatizing media coverage can impact how individuals perceive themselves and disclose their mental illness to professionals, hindering engagement in care. Additionally, families and friends may hesitate to seek support due to fears of rejection or differential treatment.

Resources

Owen, P. R. (2012). Portrayals of Schizophrenia by Entertainment Media: A Content Analysis of Contemporary Movies, Psychiatric Services, 63(7), 655-659.

Ross, A., Paton, E., & Blanchard, M. (2020). Media Reporting on Mental Illness, Violence and Crime Needs to Change.

Staff, C. and M. (2024, May 31). New research finds an increase in positive portrayals of mental health on TV | USC Annenberg.

Stuart, H. Media Portrayal of Mental Illness and its Treatments. CNS Drugs 20, 99-106 (2006).

JODI WOODRUFF, PHD

Lead Evaluator
Early Psychosis Care Center

Team Member Spotlight

Dr. Jodi Woodruff is the Lead Evaluator of the Early Psychosis Care Center. Her responsibilities include the use of data to tell stories about how programs like Early Psychosis Care are working to improve lives. She is passionate about using data to inform the best care for individuals experiencing early psychosis.

Jodi received her PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. In her free time, she enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors, yoga, and hanging out with family.

Join our
Youth Advisory Council!

We are looking for youth & young adults ages 15-35 with personal lived experience with psychosis. Influence change, empower others, and build connections!

The EPC Youth Advisory Council is working to reduce stigma about psychosis by sharing resources, raising awareness, and providing fact-based education in order to improve young people’s access to care.

Virtual meetings are held on the second Monday of every month from 6-7pm CST

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