The power of film to reduce stigma of mental health conditions

Abstract

The majority of Americans will meet the diagnostic criteria of a mental health condition during their lifetime and most will go without treatment oftentimes due to perceived stigma. This study evaluated the impact of the film, “Lift the Mask: Portraits of Life with Mental Illness”, on stigma reduction related to mental health conditions. The film ran from 2018 to 2020 and was across the United States. A total of 254 people completed a pre and post survey and were eligible for this analysis. Paired t-tests using a matched sample of participant pre and post surveys were used to assess change in attitudes toward mental health conditions before and after the film screening and results were stratified by mental health professionals and non-mental health professionals. After viewing the film, stigma related to mental health conditions was significantly reduced among mental health professionals and those outside the profession. Films focused on humanizing mental health conditions can reduce stigma and should be incorporated into interventions. (Figure presented.).