By: Disha B. Patania and Shivangi Patel

“In America, the president reigns for four years, and journalism governs forever and ever” Oscar Wilde.

This quote perfectly captures the enduring influence of the media in shaping our society. Mental health is frequently portrayed as a major thread in the media, woven into tales that impact cultural ideas and attitudes. The media, despite its power, at times perpetuates misconceptions and stigma which has an extended effect on society.

Our research paper delves into the pivotal role of the media in influencing public discourse and awareness surrounding mental health issues. The central focus of our study revolves around the examination of how local newspapers in the Niagara region address mental health concerns within their articles. Additionally, the study seeks to assess the frequency with which mental health awareness and treatment options are promoted within the content of these newspapers.

As part of the research, we sampled 30 articles spanning from 2019 to 2023 in the Niagara region of Canada from three publications: Thorold Today, St. Catharines Standard, and Niagara This Week. Utilizing the keyword “mental health,” articles addressing mental health, awareness, and treatment were selected for analysis. We found 39.33% positive portrayals, notably emphasizing the importance and promotion of mental health. The real shocker, though, is that negative portrayals, including stigmatization and stereotypes, were identified in 13.33% of the articles, alongside concerns of sensationalizing and lacking context.

In communities where mental health issues are stigmatized and neglected, individuals facing psychological changes often endure devastating consequences. These negative portrayals of mental health contribute to a cycle of suffering and intensifies the impact of untreated mental illness.

The news media should be informing us about the mental health crisis that our society faces, highlighting the challenges individuals encounter and the resources available for support. It is important that the media shines a spotlight on this. Only then we can confront the alarming issues of untreated mental illness, stigma, and provide essential support to those in need.

We must strive to break down stigma and barriers in the world of mental health, so must our media narratives. They must evolve to tell stories that are rich, diverse, and reflective of human experience that inspire empathy, understanding, and positive change.

Research Report

By: Disha B. Patania and Shivangi Patel

In contemporary society, the prevalence of mental health issues has surged, yet a profound gap in awareness persists, largely from inadequate research and dissemination of information within the field. This research paper delves into the pivotal role of the media in influencing public discourse and awareness surrounding mental health issues. The central focus of this study revolves around the examination of how local newspapers in the Niagara region address mental health concerns within their articles. Specifically, the study seeks to assess the frequency with which mental health awareness and treatment are promoted within the content of three newspapers in the area. By scrutinizing the extent to which these newspapers engage with mental health issues, this research aims to shed light on the efficacy of media coverage in addressing and destigmatizing mental health concerns. Moreover, the findings will serve as a crucial foundation for informing strategies aimed at enhancing media representation of mental health issues, thus fostering a more informed and empathetic public discourse surrounding mental health.

Literature Review

Within the discourse surrounding mental health, the role of media stands as a significant determinant in shaping societal attitudes and perceptions. Central to our inquiry is the recognition of the constructed nature of mental health news coverage and the influential role played by the media in framing societal understanding of health and illness. Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, many people still face discrimination and prejudice due to societal misconceptions surrounding mental health conditions (Ahmed KK, 2023, p.1). Studies have highlighted the importance of media in shaping societal perception and responses to mental concerns. Media forms have the ability to reach a diverse audience, it has immense potential for harnessing its power to address mental health stigma effectively (Ahmed KK, 2023, p.2).

The media coverage of mental health issues reveals both strengths and limitations in how the topic is portrayed. Van Beveren et al., 2020 has identified stigmatizing language and inaccurate portrayals of mental illness in newspapers and magazines across six European countries. This contributes to social and self-stigma and hinders people experiencing mental distress from seeking professional help (Van Beveren et al., 2020, p. 1). Conversely, Curran et al., 2023 supports that the dissemination of mental health knowledge through media yields improvements in awareness, stigma, and willingness to seek help. Media has tremendous potential to change attitudes and beliefs at the individual level and by extension, change behavior by affecting decision making (Curran et al., 2023, p. 6). Despite these insights, there remains a gap in understanding how local newspapers address mental health issues within their articles. This gap underscores the need for localized studies to assess the frequency and quality of mental health coverage in regional media outlets.

Social learning theory (Albert Bandura, 1997) offers a lens through which individuals acquire knowledge, attitude, and behaviors through observation and modeling of media portrayals. It will be helpful as it recognises how one’s opinions gives people the freedom to analyze and question the information they are exposed to (Boitumelo Moreeng et al., 2023, p. 3). Klin (2001) asserts that the general public’s views and beliefs towards a variety of life issues, including illness and disability, are shaped by the media (Mfoafo-M’Carthy et al., 2016, p. 3). Since the media has the ability to educate, it is their duty to illustrate sensitivity by reporting reality without unintentionally stigmatizing people.

The agenda setting theory claims that the media plays an influential part in how issues gain public attention (McCombs & Shaw, 1972). This theory can be seen as a part and parcel of the larger discussion about the media’s relative power vis-a-vis audiences that dominated mass communication research for at least 60 years (Alitavoli & Kaveh, 2018, p.8). The gradual rise in the public’s concern about mental health, despite advancements in understanding and treatment, can be attributed to the agenda-setting power of the media. In the world of evolving digital media and online publics, the dynamics of issue agendas are becoming more complex (Russell Neuman et al., 2014, p. 3) Through its portrayal, the media constructs a social reality where mental health struggles are portrayed as increasingly prevalent and urgent in the public consciousness.

In conclusion, agenda-setting theory and social learning theory are crucial when considering the portrayal of mental health issues. Media conglomerates can use social learning theory to serve powerful models, shaping perception and influencing behaviors. In the context of mental health issues, media coverage can shape societal attitudes, public discourse, and policy priorities through the agenda-setting theory. Positive and accurate portrayals can promote empathy, understanding, and help-seeking behavior among audiences. In essence, by understanding these theories, print media can play a crucial role in shaping attitudes, reducing stigma, and promoting mental health awareness and support.

Methods

In this study, a total of 30 newspaper articles were randomly sampled, with 10 articles selected from each of the three publications in the Niagara region: Thorold Today, St. Catharines Standard, and Niagara This Week. Using the keyword “mental health,” the article selection criterion was narrowed down to those that addressed mental health, awareness, and treatment. Articles chosen for analysis were dated between 2019 and 2023. It’s important to note that the research exclusively used publicly available newspaper content. Given the nature of the data, formal ethics approval was deemed unnecessary, as there were no privacy concerns and the study did not involve any interventions by the researchers.

In the evaluation process, two coders examined all 30 articles in the sample, focusing on various key aspects. These details included article name, newspaper name, region, publication date, and timeline. Additionally, they assessed mentioned terms such as mental health, awareness, and treatment. They also examined the articles for positive portrayal, which encompassed highlighting the importance of mental health, sharing success stories, discussing research and innovation, and promoting mental health initiatives among other factors. Conversely, they examined the articles for negative portrayal, which could include stigmatization and stereotypes, depicting mental health as weakness, sensationalizing mental health issues, and failing to provide adequate context. Furthermore, they looked for aid information, which consist of helpline numbers, online support resources, self-help information, and emergency resources, among others. Throughout the coding process, the coders achieved a 90% intercoder reliability rate, signifying agreement and accuracy in their evaluations.

Results

The study examines how mental health is portrayed in three local newspapers, focusing on terminology, positive/negative depictions, and support information. All 30 articles mention “mental health,” with only 20% discussing “awareness” and 23.33% covering “treatment.” Positive portrayals, emphasizing importance at 60% and promotion at 70% in all newspapers, but especially in Thorold Today, where they are at 80% and 90%, respectively. Stigmatization and stereotypes appeared in 13.33% of articles while portraying mental health as a weakness, sensationalizing issues, and lacking context each accounting for 16.66%. Aid information is found in 24% of all articles, with Thorold Today at 40%, St. Catharines Standard at 18%, and Niagara This Week at 14%. Additionally, some articles in each publication offer extra resources for assistance.

Discussion

The study examining the portrayal of mental health across three local newspapers reveals both positive and concerning trends. There is a potential gap in comprehensive coverage, particularly in educating the public about available resources and treatment options. The prevalence of positive portrayals indicated commendable efforts by the newspapers to highlight positive aspects and initiatives surrounding mental health. However, the presence of negative portrayal including, stigmatization, stereotypes and sensationalization, poses a concern as it hinders the effort to create a more understanding and empathetic community. The disparity in the aid information provided by the publications points to different levels of effort to providing readers with real help. Overall, the local newspapers reveal a mix of positive efforts in promoting awareness and support that overpowers concerns about negative portrayal and gaps in coverage of aid information.

Limitations

In conducting the coding for this research, several limitations emerged. Firstly, the research was limited to the Niagara region of Canada. The narrow scope limited the findings to the Niagara region, likely overlooking variations in mental health portrayal in other Canadian regions. Additionally, it was solely focused on newspapers. This may have restricted the breath of resources analyzed, overlooking potential insights from other mediums such as online platforms or news channels. Furthermore, while the efforts were made to ensure consistency through intercoder reliability check, there remains a risk of personal bias or background influencing the interpretation of data. These restrictions highlight the need for care in interpreting the results and point out areas that might be improved upon in further studies.

Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusion

The prevalence of positive portrayals in articles indicate a growing awareness and willingness to address mental health issues within local newspaper coverage. This focus in positive narratives can contribute to reducing stigma and promoting a supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health issues. However, concerns persist regarding negative portrayals. These representations have potential to reinforce misconceptions and block efforts aimed at establishing a safe community. Addressing these concerns, can ensure accurate coverage which is essential for promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma. Additionally, it is important to address the inconsistency in the aid information offered by the newspapers. Providing access to resources such as helpline numbers, self-help information, and emergency resources is crucial for individuals seeking assistance during times of distress. Print media professionals can benefit from advocacy over how to represent mental health concerns by examining these implications within the frameworks of social learning theory and agenda-setting theory.

In conclusion, by applying principles from social learning theory and agenda-setting theory, local newspapers can play a significant role in promoting positive attitudes towards mental health issues. Utilizing social learning theory, newspapers can model positive behavior by highlighting success stories, showcasing individuals who have overcome mental health challenges, and featuring stories of determination and recovery. Thus inspiring readers and encouraging the act of seeking assistance or guidance. Moreover, leveraging agenda-setting theory allows newspapers to shape public opinions and set the agenda for public discourse. As a result, coverage of mental health issues is given priority.

References

Ahmed KK, M. (2023). The role of social media platforms in addressing Mental Health Stigma. International Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 13(2), 84–85. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijmedph.2023.2.14

Alitavoli, R., & Kaveh, E. (2018). The U.S. media’s effect on public’s crime expectations: A cycle of cultivation and agenda-setting theory. Societies, 8(3), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc8030058

Boitumelo Moreeng, P. D., Moeketsi Mosia, P., & Emma Barnett, P. (2023). Investigating The Influence of Media on Preservice Teachers’ Construction of Their Professional Identity. Journal of Studies in Social Sciences and Humanities, 9(1), 18–28., P. D., Moeketsi Mosia, P., & Emma

Barnett, P. (2023). Investigating The Influence of Media on Preservice Teachers’ Construction of Their Professional Identity. Journal of Studies in Social Sciences and Humanities, 9(1), 18–28.

Curran, T., Ito-Jaeger, S., Perez Vallejos, E., & Crawford, P. (2023). What’s up with everyone?’: The effectiveness of a Digital Media Mental Health Literacy Campaign for young people. Journal of Mental Health, 32(3), 612–618. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2023.2182412

Mfoafo-M’Carthy, M., Sottie, C. A., & Gyan, C. (2016). Mental illness and stigma: A 10-year review of portrayal through Print Media in Ghana (2003–2012). International Journal of Culture and Mental Health, 9(2), 197–207. https://doi.org/10.1080/17542863.2016.1165271

Russell Neuman, W., Guggenheim, L., Mo Jang, S., & Bae, S. Y. (2014). The Dynamics of Public Attention: Agenda-Setting Theory Meets Big Data. Journal of Communication, 64(2), 193–214. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcom.12088

Van Beveren, L., Rutten, K., Hensing, G., Spyridoula, N., Schønning, V., Axelsson, M., Bockting, C., Buysse, A., De Neve, I., Desmet, M., Dewaele, A., Giovazolias, T., Hannon, D., Kafetsios, K., Meganck, R., Øverland, S., Triliva, S., & Vandamme, J. (2020). A critical perspective on mental health news in six European countries: How are “mental health/illness” and “mental health literacy” rhetorically constructed? Qualitative Health Research, 30(9), 1362–1378. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732320912409

 

Appendix 1

Definitions

Mental health: Mental health refers to a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively, and is able to make a contribution to their community (Van Beveren et al., 2020).

Social learning theory: This communication theory provides a lens through which people learn attitudes, behaviors, and information by seeing and imitating how they are portrayed in the media (Boitumelo Moreeng et al., 2023).

Agenda Setting: Communication theory illustrating how the public agenda is created by the mass media’s prioritization of particular subjects and issues, which impacts public perception (Russell Neuman et al., 2014).

 

Appendix 2

Code Definitions and Categories

Categories		Description
1. ARTICLE DETAILS	Enter the following details*
	A. Name of the article:	Mention the name of the article under review.
	B. Name of the newspaper:	Check the appropriate box
	St. Catharines Standard
	Thorold Today
	Niagara Gazette
	C. Region of the newspaper	Niagara Region = yes Not in Niagara Region = no
	D. Date published	The date the article was published.
	E. Timeline	Is the article published during the time period under review? (2019-2023)
Variables
2. TERMS MENTIONED	Check the box if the terms are mentioned*
	A. Mental health	Mental health can be addressed in newspaper articles in various contexts, reflecting its diverse nature and issues surrounding it.
	B. Awareness	Newspapers often publish articles to raise awareness about mental health issues, including campaigns and providing resources for those in need.
	C. Treatment	Newspapers may report on new research findings on the field of mental health, breakthroughs in treatment or innovative approaches to addressing mental health disorders.
3. POSITIVE PORTRAYAL	Check the box if the article highlights these topics*
	A. Importance of Mental Health	Highlighting the importance of mental health in newspaper articles contributes to building a more informed, compassionate, and supportive society where individuals feel empowered to seek help.
	B. Success Stories	Personal success stories play a crucial role in mental health by offering hope, validation, practical guidance, and a sense of community to individuals navigating their own mental health journeys.
	C. Research and Innovation	Research and innovation is significant in advancing our understanding of mental health, improving treatment options, and enhancing the lives of individuals affected by mental health. It is also a credible source as it provides approximate information, promotes trust, and validation.
	D. Promotion of Mental Health	Promoting mental health awareness and education is essential for fostering a supportive, informed, and flexible society where individuals prioritize their mental well-being, seek help when needed, and support others in their mental health journeys.
4. NEGATIVE PORTRAYAL	Check the box if the article highlights these topics*
	A. Stigmatization and Stereotypes	Articles that discuss stigma and stereotypes may unintentionally reinforce negative attitudes and beliefs about mental health.
	B. Portrayal of Mental Health as a Weakness	Fear of judgment or rejection may prevent individuals from reaching out for the care and assistance they need if mental health is portrayed as a weakness.
	C. Sensationalizing Mental Health Issues	Sensationalizing individuals with mental health conditions for their struggles can perpetuate victim blaming and undermine efforts to promote understanding and support.
	D. Failing to Provide Adequate Context	Without adequate context, articles risk misinterpretation, sensationalism, bias, confusion, and inaccuracies. It is essential that the articles are accurate, balanced, and informative.
5. AID INFORMATION	Check the box if the article provides these information*
	A. Helpline Numbers	Helplines and crisis hotlines can offer support and assistance to individuals in distress.
	B. Online Support	The articles can direct readers to online resources and platforms that offer mental health support.
	C. Self-help Info	Self-help strategies and coping techniques can help manage common mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, or depression.
	D. Emergency Resources	Information about mental health services available in the community, such as psychiatric emergency rooms can ensure that individuals know where to turn for immediate help and support.