A scoping review about the portrayal of depression and anxiety in mainstream and social media

Bibliographic Data

ID21337165
AuthorsGloria Mittmann (0000-0003-2750-7779, Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Krems Austria, corresponding author), Beate Schrank (0000-0002-9397-3076, Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Krems Austria), Verena Steiner‐Hofbauer (0000-0003-4949-9589, Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Krems Austria)
Year2024
Volume59
Issue6
Pages1075-1083
Publication date2024-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0020-7594 • E-ISSN: 1464-066X
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ijop.13232
PMID39164881
OpenAlexW4401728637
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited43

Media portrayal of mental disorders has a significant impact on awareness and stigma. Given the high prevalence of depression and anxiety as mental disorders, it is crucial to understand how they are represented. This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on the portrayal of depression and anxiety in mainstream and social media. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and PsychInfo, resulting in the inclusion of 20 records that predominantly examined social media and newspapers. Findings indicate that social media discussions on depression were mostly supportive and non‐stigmatising. Public figures and role models played a significant role in encouraging open communication. Research on newspapers and other media forms yielded mixed results yet leaning towards positive portrayals. Limited studies explored anxiety portrayal. While acknowledging potential limitations in generalisability, this review emphasises the importance of accurately depicting mental health in media, particularly on social media platforms, while highlighting the need for broader investigations into anxiety representation

Anxiety · Depression (economics) · Inclusion (mineral) · Mainstream · Media studies · Mental health · Newspaper · Political science · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Social anxiety · Social media · Sociology · Stigma (botany) · Clinical Psychology · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Media Influence and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology

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