11 Introduction to Student Research on Mental Health

By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness^[1]. Having positive mental health contributes to emotional, psychological, and social well-being at all stages of life. Stigma prevents many from seeking treatment, leading to negative impacts on health, employment, and relationships. Social isolation, poverty, and a shortage of accessible services further hinder access to mental health support. Media analysis is useful for understanding how mental health is framed in the media because it allows us to examine how mental health issues are portrayed, discussed, and represented. By analyzing media content, we can gain insights into the dominant narratives, stereotypes, and stigmas surrounding mental health.

In the following pages you can read about the research projects conducted by students who chose mental health as their issue to analyze in the media. Continue to the student work by clicking the next chapter in the blue bar at the bottom of your screen.