Representations of mental health disorders in print media

This article reviews research findings into the portrayal of mental health disorders in print media, with particular attention to research that uses content analysis. The findings indicate that there is diversity in the representations of mental health disorders, and that in the UK the proportion of ‘good news’ stories increased between 1992 and 2008. However, there remains an over-association of mental health disorders with dangerousness, and this is emphasised through the use of sensationalistic language and highlighting violence in newspaper headlines. These results are explored as part of the process of stigmatisation and the impact that it has on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the general public; and on the lives of service users.