The Representation of Depression in Canadian Print News
Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
22 November 2016
Abstract
This study analyzed a retrospective sample of articles from 12 major Canadian newspapers to characterize messages about depression in print media. Major themes were positive and focused on promoting awareness and disseminating research findings. Stories often relied on expertise, but seldom included input from those affected by a mental illness. More than half the articles used improper language. Articles rarely provided information to find additional resources. Findings may guide future analyses and programs aimed at improving media coverage of mental illness.
Résumé
Cette étude a analysé un échantillon rétrospectif d’articles provenant de 12 journaux canadiens avec le but de caractériser les messages portant sur la dépression dans les journaux. Les thèmes majeurs sont positifs et axés sur la sensibilisation et la diffusion des résultats de recherche. L’opinion d’experts dans le domaine a souvent servi mais rarement celle des personnes avec une maladie mentale. Plus que la moitié des articles ont employé un langage inexact. Les articles ont rarement fourni des sources de ressources additionnelles. Les résultats de cette étude peuvent informer des analyses futures et des programmes qui ont pour but d’améliorer comment les médias abordent le sujet des maladies mentales.
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Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 35 • Number 3 • December 2016
Pages: 97 - 112
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Version of record online: 22 November 2016
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Laura A. M. Cummings and Anne T. M. Konkle. 2016. The Representation of Depression in Canadian Print News. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.
35(3): 97-112. https://doi.org/10.7870/cjcmh-2016-043
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