Normalizing Mental Illness and Neurodiversity in Entertainment Media: Quieting the Madness

This book explores the shift towards positive and accurate portrayals of mental illness in entertainment media, analyzing characters, viewpoints, and experiences across film and television to convey messages about mental illness and challenge sociocultural notions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the transformative trend towards positive and more accurate representations of mental illness in entertainment media, raising crucial questions about where these efforts have succeeded and identifying areas where further progress is necessary. Through in-depth studies that examine the characters, perspectives, and experiences of mental illness across film and television, the book explores the messages conveyed about mental illness and reflects on how these texts shape, reinforce, or challenge societal perceptions and understanding of mental health issues.

The book is organized into chapters that explore a diverse range of texts from both film and television, covering various mental health conditions such as autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and more. Each chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the characters, storylines, and cultural implications associated with these mental health conditions, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of sociology, cultural and media studies, and mental health.

By examining the ways in which entertainment media portrays mental illness, this volume contributes to a broader understanding of the role of media in shaping public attitudes and beliefs about mental health. It highlights the potential for media to promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance, as well as to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmas. The book offers valuable insights into the complexities of representing mental illness on screen and provides a framework for analyzing and evaluating the messages conveyed by these texts.

In conclusion, this volume is a vital contribution to the growing body of research on the representation of mental illness in entertainment media. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with positive and accurate portrayals of mental illness, and provides valuable insights into the ways in which media can influence public attitudes and beliefs about mental health.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367762254