Citation

Owen P. J. Appl. Soc. Psychol. 2007; 37(1): 60-75.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.0021-9029.2007.00147.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Portrayals of schizophrenia in popular film contribute to misinformation about treatment of schizophrenia. Can film by used to educate? This study examined the effectiveness of viewing film portrayals of accurate vs. inaccurate information about schizophrenia in correcting misinformation. A video was constructed consisting of segments from popular movies and documentaries that contrasted inaccurate and accurate illustrations of schizophrenia. College students were randomly assigned to either the video presentation or traditional lecture on schizophrenia, and later tested on their knowledge of schizophrenia. Results showed knowledge improvement following both video and lecture, with video having a greater corrective effect for female students after viewing 3 of the 8 segments. These results are discussed with reference to sex-role socialization and empathetic identification.