Media Portrayals of Mental Illness

Abstract

Mental illnesses are often depicted in fictional media. However, due to the complexities of these conditions, depictions are often flawed or inaccurate. Harmful stereotypes are often perpetuated, including portraying characters with mental illness as violent, incompetent, or criminal. Inaccurate depictions of mental illness in film may harm real people living with these conditions, as such portrayals often contribute to the public perception of and stigmas surrounding mental illness. This project analyzes 35 English-language movies available on Netflix U.S. that depict at least one character as experiencing a mental illness. Demographic data was collected, including approximate age, race, and gender. Mental illnesses were not specifically named, but rather were grouped into diagnostic categories as used in the DSM-5. Information was also collected regarding how the character was portrayed with regards to harmful stereotypes about mental illness. Over half of the characters were shown to harm others, and nearly 70% were incompetent in one or more areas of their life. Nearly all of these depictions were dramatized and at least partially inaccurate. While viewing fictional films about mental illness, it is important to remember that personal perceptions of and attitudes towards mental illness can affect real people living with similar conditions.