Emmert Roberts1, Rebekah Bourne, Shawnee Basden. 1. Academic Unit of Psychiatry, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, United Kingdom. emmert.roberts@gmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Stigmatization of persons with mental illness may be perpetuated through media depictions. This study analyzed changes in the depiction of mental illness by Bermudian newspapers over 20 years. METHODS: All articles about mental illness in Bermuda's newspapers in 1991, 2001, and 2011 (N=277) were coded for composition, language, consultations and quotations, and content. RESULTS: A significant increase in mental health professional consultation was demonstrated. Articles with a negative overall tone constituted the largest percentage of all articles (40%) and of articles in 2001 (43%) and 2011 (42%). A significant difference was found in primary theme; between 1991 and 2011, articles with an education and information theme dropped from 40% to 18% and articles about violent crime increased from 12% to 18%. CONCLUSIONS: The results may necessitate action from the island's advocacy groups. The findings have implications for discussion with the national press.
OBJECTIVE: Stigmatization of persons with mental illness may be perpetuated through media depictions. This study analyzed changes in the depiction of mental illness by Bermudian newspapers over 20 years. METHODS: All articles about mental illness in Bermuda's newspapers in 1991, 2001, and 2011 (N=277) were coded for composition, language, consultations and quotations, and content. RESULTS: A significant increase in mental health professional consultation was demonstrated. Articles with a negative overall tone constituted the largest percentage of all articles (40%) and of articles in 2001 (43%) and 2011 (42%). A significant difference was found in primary theme; between 1991 and 2011, articles with an education and information theme dropped from 40% to 18% and articles about violent crime increased from 12% to 18%. CONCLUSIONS: The results may necessitate action from the island's advocacy groups. The findings have implications for discussion with the national press.
Authors: Ian F Walker; Laura Asher; Anees Pari; Jennifer Attride-Stirling; Ayoola O Oyinloye; Chantelle Simmons; Irad Potter; Virginia Rubaine; June M Samuel; Aisha Andrewin; Janett Flynn; Arline L McGill; Sharra Greenaway-Duberry; Alicia B Malcom; Gemma Mann; Ahmed Razavi; Roger C Gibson Journal: Int J Ment Health Syst Date: 2022-08-12