'Broken souls' vs. 'mad ax man' - changes in the portrayal of depression and schizophrenia in the German media over 10 years.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Population studies show the stigma of depression to diminish, while the stigma of schizophrenia increases. To find out whether this widening gap is reflected in the media portrayal of both disorders, this study compares the portrayal of depression and schizophrenia in German print media in 2010 vs. 2020.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative content analysis using a mixed deductive-inductive approach to establish a category system. In total, we analyzed 854 articles with the summative approach by Mayring.

Results

The study found a widening gap in the portrayal of schizophrenia and depression in German media between 2010 and 2020. Schizophrenia was depicted increasingly negative between 2010 and 2020, covering more negative stereotypes and focusing on its biological

SUBMITTER: Sittner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11450423 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature