Cultivating Courage, Compassion, and Cultural Sensitivity in News Reporting of Mental Health

Abstract

(from the chapter) This chapter will look at the ways in which journalists may (or may not) take into account the many facets of cultural sensitivity when covering mental health issues. It will also address mental health itself as a multidimensional diversity issue. The chapter will discuss the case of Crownsville State Hospital, where news coverage that incorporated cultural sensitivity benefited the individuals who lived there. The chapter also addresses the historical case of Nellie Bly, a journalist who was willing to have herself committed in order to expose the poor conditions of an early asylum that served women. The authors review recent examples of how the print news media currently handles stories dealing with mental health issues for insight on what is helpful and what is potentially damaging or contributes to stigma for individuals living with mental health issues and the providers who care for them. Finally, we analyze how suicide is reported in news media and to what extent cultural sensitivity is considered relevant in that reporting. By examining case studies, patterns and histories, together we will explore ways that mental health professionals may learn from the evolving world of journalism. The chapter also brainstorms ways that journalists may collaborate with mental health professionals to increase awareness of cross-cultural issues within mental health and help reduce the stigma associated with one of the most marginalized populations in society, those living with mental illness. Looking at these cases from a journalism point of view, it is useful to understand the background of the field and what motivates the publication of news. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).