Frames of mental illness in the Yoruba genre of Nigerian movies

Implications for orthodox mental health care

Bibliographic Data

ID2394899
AuthorsOlayinka Atilola (0000-0001-9835-6432, University College Hospital, Ibadan, corresponding author), Funmilayo Olayiwola (University College Hospital, Ibadan)
Year2013
Volume50
Issue3
Pages442-454
Publication date2013-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTranscultural Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-4615 • E-ISSN: 1461-7471
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1363461512443998
PMID23670966
OpenAlexW2064196651
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited25

This study examines the modes of framing mental illness in the Yoruba genre of Nigerian movies. All Yoruba films on display in a convenient sample of movie rental shops in Ibadan (Nigeria) were sampled for content. Of the 103 films studied, 27 (26.2%) contained scenes depicting mental illness. Psychotic symptoms were the most commonly depicted, while effective treatments were mostly depicted as taking place in unorthodox settings. The most commonly depicted aetiology of mental illness was sorcery and enchantment by witches and wizards, as well as other supernatural forces. Scenes of mental illness are common in Nigerian movies and these depictions-though reflecting the popular explanatory models of Yoruba-speaking Nigerians about mental illness- may impede utilization of mental health care services and ongoing efforts to reduce psychiatry stigma in this region. Efforts to reduce stigma and improve service utilization should engage the film industry

Mainstream · Mental health · Mental illness · Nigerians · Political science · Psychiatry · Yoruba · Film in Education and Therapy · History · Media Influence and Health · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology

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