@article{ref1,
title="The portrayal of mental health in Irish mainstream news media",
journal="International journal of social psychiatry",
year="2022",
author="Gallagher, Margaret and O'Leary, Caitlin and McGreal-Ballone, Aimee and Duffy, Richard",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: The portrayal of mental health in the mainstream news media is an important topic for discussion. Concerns about stigmatisation of those suffering from mental ill-health have been expressed for many years, leading to numerous anti-stigma campaigns. Previous Irish studies demonstrated an improvement in the tone and content of articles over time. This study aims to re-evaluate this topic, 19 years after it was last studied. <br><br>METHODS: Four Irish papers including the tabloid, broadsheet, online and compact paper with the highest readership were analysed daily for a 12-week period. Using pre-determined definitions based on previous studies, all articles or headlines incorporating psychiatry-related material were examined for tone, content, utilisation of terminology, reference to self-harm, suicide and violence. <br><br>RESULTS: In total, 735 articles (2.19/paper/day) were identified and analysed. The majority of articles were found to have a supportive or factual tone. A higher proportion of judgemental or sensationalist articles were found in the tabloid newspaper. An improvement was noted compared to previous Irish studies. A decrease in articles written by mental health professionals was noted. Only 5% of articles portrayed psychotic disorders, with many of these referring to violence. Compliance with relevant guidelines for reporting of suicide was good overall. <br><br>CONCLUSION: There has continued to be an improvement in the tone and content of articles since previous Irish studies. The introduction of guidelines within this time may have played a significant role. Psychotic illness received limited coverage and was more likely to be portrayed in a stigmatising manner, guidelines relating to this could be of benefit. Engagement between psychiatrists and the media is important to improve the portrayal of psychotic illness and enhance awareness.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0020-7640",
doi="10.1177/00207640221111756",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00207640221111756"
}