PORTRAYALS OF MENTAL ILLNESS OF TEENS IN POPULAR TV SHOWS: 13 REASONS WHY AND ATYPICAL

Abstract

Background: Mass media, specifically television, has provided information and influenced perceptions of audiences on the topic of mental illness. Aims: To explore the extent that the popular dramatic television programs: 13 Reasons Why and Atypical, use stigmatizing or non-stigmatizing language about mental health conditions portrayed by the main character, the representation of mental health treatment, and how stigma is reflected in these portrayals. Methods: The author conducted a qualitative content analysis of four episodes of each show. Results: The depictions of mental illness through stigmatizing language, context, and plot were found to emphasize both public and self-stigma in each show. There were both positive and negative examples of treatment in each show with a more positive impression in Atypical than in 13 Reasons Why. Conclusion: Stigmatizing language continues to be used in popular shows that portray teen characters with a mental illness with mixed representation of treatment. Concerns include how teen audiences interpret the language and its contributions to stigma about mental health.