Framing Schizophrenia: Media Representations and the Production of Stigma
Faculty Mentor
April Schueths
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Framed by modified labeling theory, this literature review examines how media portrayals of people diagnosed with schizophrenia impact stigma, including self-stigma. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) (2025) defines mental health stigma as negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes people may hold towards those who experience mental health conditions. They also define self-stigma as coming from within the person with a mental health condition; sometimes, they believe they are flawed or blame themselves for their conditions. Research indicates that media coverage of mental illness and schizophrenia tends to be more negative than positive. For example, individuals are often portrayed as socially incompetent, violent, and as villains. Distorted representations of mental illness, including schizophrenia, impact society’s opinions, but can also affect the individuals’ understanding of their condition and may discourage them from seeking professional help.
Program Description
n/a
Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Hagen, Brianna, "Framing Schizophrenia: Media Representations and the Production of Stigma" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 266.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/266
Framing Schizophrenia: Media Representations and the Production of Stigma
Russell Union Ballroom
Framed by modified labeling theory, this literature review examines how media portrayals of people diagnosed with schizophrenia impact stigma, including self-stigma. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) (2025) defines mental health stigma as negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes people may hold towards those who experience mental health conditions. They also define self-stigma as coming from within the person with a mental health condition; sometimes, they believe they are flawed or blame themselves for their conditions. Research indicates that media coverage of mental illness and schizophrenia tends to be more negative than positive. For example, individuals are often portrayed as socially incompetent, violent, and as villains. Distorted representations of mental illness, including schizophrenia, impact society’s opinions, but can also affect the individuals’ understanding of their condition and may discourage them from seeking professional help.
