The Role of News Frames in Shaping Online Reader Dialogue About Mental Illness

• In Event: Message Framing Effects in Health Contexts

Abstract

A quantitative content analysis examined the portrayal of schizophrenia in eight of the most read online news publications in the United States. The analysis documented the prevalence of stigma frames, which communicate stereotypes concerning schizophrenia, and stigma-challenge frames, which contradict stereotypes, in 558 articles. The study also examined the relationship between framing and reader commentary, including the likelihood of readers posting stigmatizing comments, stigma-challenging comments, and comments in which an individual discloses experience with mental illness. Stigma frames were prevalent in the sample, suggesting the news media continue associating schizophrenia with violent and criminal behavior. Stigma frames stood greater chance of eliciting stigmatizing comments from readers when compared to stigma-challenging and neutral frames. Conversely, stigma-challenging frames stood greater chance of eliciting stigma-challenging comments from readers. Readers were more likely to disclose personal experience with mental illness when they encountered the stigma-challenging frame. Recommendations are made for journalists and health communicators.

Authors

• Anna Rae Gwarjanski, U of Alabama

• Scott Parrott, U of Alabama