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.
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Roberts et al. (2013) studied this question.
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