From stigma to empathy: The evolution of the portrayals of mental health in films

In the modern world, the public's perceptions, and emotions regarding a wide range of topics, including

mental illness, are greatly influenced by the media. Unfortunately, the way mental health concerns are

depicted in movies, TV shows, and news articles frequently contributes to the spread of negative stereotypes

and misinformation. Considering this controversy, academics, media producers, and mental health activists

have all discussed the moral implications of these images and how they impact society. This essay will

present the writings of several authors who argue that the media frequently promotes stigma, unfavorable

stereotypes, and a general lack of knowledge about how to portray antisocial personality disorders or

psychopathy.

Over time, this conversation has changed to reflect shifts in cultural influences, medical knowledge, and

society attitudes. The word “psychopathy” was used to refer to a wide variety of social deviations in the

early 1900s, often and indiscriminately. This term's usage created unfavorable biases and contributed to a

general misunderstanding regarding mental illness. During this time, negative perceptions about people

with mental health issues were achieved by characters in literature and movies who frequently reflected

these stereotypes (Luke Leiden 2020).

Media representations of psychopathy changed from the middle to late 20th century along with changes in

society and medical understanding of mental health. Mental health beliefs have changed, as seen by

characters like “Nurse Ratched” from “One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest”, “Norman Bates” from “Psycho”,

and “Cathy Ames” from “East of Eden” (Luke Leiden, 2020). These representations, nevertheless, were

frequently sensationalized and did little to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness (Keesler ME

2017).

By the late 20th century, media portrayals of mental illness were coming under more scrutiny due to a

combination of factors including the deinstitutionalization movement, growing public awareness of mental

health issues, and campaigning for mental health rights. Television programs and motion pictures have
faced criticism for promoting stigma and insulting preconceptions, which have complicated the public's

understanding of mental health issues. The emergence of streaming services and binge-watching throughout

the early years of the twenty-first century brought about a change in the way people consumed media. The

media's representation of mental health received more attention because of its greater accessibility (Enzo

Sinisi, 2023).

Discussions concerning the moral ramifications of sympathizing with morally dubious characters and the

glamorization of psychopathic behavior were provoked by television series such as “Dexter”, “Hannibal”,

and “Breaking Bad” (Vidya Koesmahargyo 2015). The 2017 series “The End of the F***ing World”

rekindled discussions around how ASPD are portrayed on television. The show was criticized for its

portrayal of violence and mental illness even while it was commended for its daring storytelling. “Joe

Goldberg” from “You” and “Nate Jacobs” from “Euphoria”, two contemporary media depictions, have

come under fire for romanticizing violent behavior and fostering stereotypes (Luke Leiden, 2020) (Marta

Lopera Mármol, 2022).

Regarding mental health issues, "We Need to Talk About Kevin", a film, also offers an insightful

examination, focusing on antisocial behavior and its possible connections to mental illness. It asks viewers

to think about the intricate interaction between nature and nurture in the development of psychological

diseases via the prism of a strained mother-son relationship. Some praise its nuanced portrayal, but others

object to its tendency to reinforce unfavorable stereotypes. All things considered, the movie adds to the

current conversations which are still going strong over how mental health is portrayed in the media and

how this affects public opinion (Rosie Shearer, 2019).

The debate touches on several social situations, such as the legal, public, and social normative domains.

Due to the freedom of speech and expression that these rights afford, there are no specific formal laws

governing how psychopathy is portrayed in artistic works. However, this lack of regulations has led to

ongoing discussions and disagreements among various groups about the ethical and social implications of

these depictions (Marta Lopera-Mármol 2022). Several stakeholders have been instrumental in this topic.
Media critics examines and criticize how mental health is portrayed in films and TV shows, while mental

health advocates argue for sensitive and truthful representations of mental illness in the media. The

discussion has also been impacted by Television practitioners, who oversee developing and carrying out the

characters with mental illnesses on television. Public members, media producers, and attorneys are

additional among the prominent participants in this continuing conversation. They each bring unique

viewpoints and concerns to the table. They underline how crucial it is to present psychopathy in a nuanced

and realistic manner to challenge stigma and debunk myths about mental disease. They contend that

exaggerated or erroneous portrayals could reinforce negative stereotypes and fuel discrimination against

those who have mental health issues. Advocates frequently support their claims with criteria of responsible

portrayal, factual data from investigations on the impact of media representations, and arguments based on

moral need to accurately describe mental illness (Lopera-Mármol, 2022) (Psych Central Editor, 2016).

However, media makers fiercely protect their artistic freedom and creative expression, arguing that

overbearing regulations or censorship could impede innovation and meaningful storytelling. They contend

that since their work captures societal reality, it should not be governed by outside laws. Advocates of

artistic freedom make strong cases based on the importance of artistic expression and opposition to outside

authority. By analyzing the relationship between the right to free speech and the possible harm brought

about by media representations of psychopathy, legal experts at times provide new viewpoints. To draw

attention to policy issues with finding a balance between public welfare and freedom of expression, they

could use previous court cases addressing defamation, obscenity, and the risks of erroneous depictions. By

offering a variety of perspectives, the audience also contributes to the shaping of the issue. Some people

value creative freedom and entertainment value more than sensitive and truthful representations of mental

illness. The debate's direction can be changed by public opinion, which is impacted by personal experiences,

cultural background, and media exposure (Lopera-Mármol, 2022).

All things considered, the conversation around how psychopathy is portrayed in the media is still complex

and multifaceted, with various stakeholders voicing opposing goals and points of view. This continuing
discussion illustrates how popular views of mental health are changing as well as the intricate relationship

that exists between social responsibility, ethics, and the arts. New problems and concerns are sure to surface

as conversations on this contentious topic develop, adding to the richness of the discourse (Jones, 2019).

Terms like “misinformation” and “stereotypes” are used frequently in the debate around how mental illness

is portrayed in the media as starting points for conversations about the moral implications of these

representations. “Stereotypes” are known to have the power to reinforce stigma and spread false beliefs

about mental illness, which in turn leads to prejudice and social marginalization. Stereotypes are typified

by exaggerated or oversimplified depictions of people struggling with mental health concerns. Similarly,

“misinformation” is recognized as a major contributor to stigma and misunderstandings. This

misinformation includes erroneous or incorrect information regarding mental illness that is spread through

a variety of outlets, including the media. To fight stigma and advance awareness, advocates of mental health

use these phrases to highlight the damaging effects of inaccurate and careless media representations on the

general public's perceptions of mental health (Marta Lopera-Mármol, 2022). On the other hand, when it

comes to how to depict mental illness in media, artists, and social responsibility debate how to strike a

balance. They defend their creative choices while acknowledging the significance of ethical considerations

and the impact of the media on public opinion formation. In these discussions, terms like “depictions” and

“entertainment value” are crucial. Media makers must balance creating captivating content with making

sure that mental illness is sensitively and truthfully portrayed (Marta Lopera-Mármol, 2022).

Students and scholars add to the conversation by analyzing how mental illness is portrayed in the media

using phrases like “advocacy” and “portrayals”. They push for more realistic and nuanced representations,

highlighting the necessity of dispelling myths and assessing media material critically. They hope to inspire

responsible narrative approaches and advance a deeper knowledge of mental health concerns by critically

examining the ethical dimensions of media portrayals. All in all, these essential vocabulary and thorough

explanations highlight how intricate the debate over how mental illness is portrayed in the media is. The

continuous discussion on mental health portrayal in popular culture is influencing practices, policies, and
perceptions as stakeholders from different disciplines participate in debates and discussions (Lopera-

Mármol, 2022).

In conclusion, the continuous discussion about how a certain illness is depicted in the media illuminates the

varied ways that contemporary culture views mental health. As this essay explains, different stakeholders

bring a variety of viewpoints to this conversation. While advocates of mental health emphasize the value

of truthful and sensitive representations in eradicating stigma and fostering understanding, media makers

uphold their artistic freedom while acknowledging the moral effects. Legal professionals examine how the

right to free expression intersects with possible harm from media representations, and public opinion drives

the discussion in either direction. Phrases like “misinformation” and “stereotypes” stress the detrimental

impacts of false representations, while terms like “entertainment value” and “depictions” draw attention to

the delicate balancing act that media artists must do. All things considered, the growing discourse

surrounding media representations of mental health speaks to the influence of narrative, moral dilemmas,

and changing social mores. Through participating in this discussion and analyzing media portrayals,

interested parties advance a more complex comprehension of mental illness and how it is portrayed in

popular culture.
Bibliography

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On June 6, 2023, the article by Enzo Sinisi was taken down from Therapy Route. By analyzing movies that
deal with mental health issues, particularly antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), Sinisi provides valuable
insights into how these diseases are depicted in the media. The paper offers insightful analysis of how
ASPD is portrayed in movies, providing a viewpoint pertinent to current debates over how mental health is
portrayed in the media. Although the article might shed light on how ASPD is portrayed in movies, it might
not address all forms of media representation or provide a thorough examination of the effects on society.

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these depictions. The essay provides a thorough analysis of Hollywood's stance on mental health,
illuminating the ways in which widely watched movies either support stigma or present complex
representations. The analysis may not fully address other media formats while concentrating on film, which
could restrict the discussion's potential breadth.

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that stigma and misunderstandings are maintained. The paper adds to the conversation on media influence
by offering insights on how ASPD is portrayed in popular culture, especially when viewed through the
prism of villainous characters. Due to its concentration on movie villains, the analysis might not adequately
represent the range of ASPD representations in the media and might even miss more complex portrayals.

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providing information about the impact of media representations. Contributing to the conversation on media
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impacting public opinions, despite its concentration on psychopathy.

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offering perspectives on how ASPD is portrayed in the media. By providing a targeted analysis of how
ASPD is portrayed in a particular media genre, the research advances our knowledge of how mental health
is portrayed in television. Despite concentrating on British TV shows, the study might not consider broader
societal effects or worldwide media trends.

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essay probably looks at how stigma and false beliefs about mental illness are fueled by media
representations, offering insights regarding the effects on society. The article provides a thorough
examination of how the media shapes public opinions of mental health, possibly highlighting negative
patterns and effects. Due to its concentration on mental illness, the analysis might not fully consider
alternate viewpoints or address other facets of media depiction.

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Rosie Shearer's 2019 study, which was published on Academia.edu, examines how mental health is
portrayed in the film "We Need to Talk About Kevin." Shearer offers a critical evaluation of how mental
health concerns are portrayed in the movie, examining topics of morality, realism, and cultural resonance.
This research provides an academic analysis of how mental health is portrayed in a particular movie, which
sheds light on larger media trends and their effects on society. Due to its narrow focus on a single film, the
analysis might not fully consider alternate viewpoints or address more general patterns of media
representation.

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On September 29, 2015, Vidya Koesmahargyo's article was published on The Humanology Project.
Koesmahargyo probably investigates the fallacies and myths about psychopathy that are supported by
popular culture, providing insights into the power of the media. The essay offers a critical examination of
how psychopathy is portrayed in popular media, drawing attention to negative stereotypes and the effects
they have on society. Due to its concentration on psychopathy, the analysis might not fully consider other
points of view or address more general patterns of mental health portrayal.