Reporting Mental Illness in China

This book explores how Chinese-language newspapers in Greater China report on severe mental illness, considering the influence of local cultures and the stigma associated with the condition. It employs a discourse analytic approach and includes bilingual news report extracts to illustrate its findings, making it valuable for scholars, mental health professionals, and public health authorities in regions with large Chinese-speaking populations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the examination of Chinese-language newspapers across the expansive region of Greater China, exploring their reporting on severe mental illness and the underlying motivations behind these reporting practices. Given the significant influence that local newspapers can have on the perception of mental illness among Chinese readers, the book aims to shed light on the ways in which these newspapers construct and present mental illness narratives. By analyzing the reporting in three prominent broadsheet newspapers from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, the book seeks to understand how the distinct social and political histories of these culturally Chinese communities shape the portrayal of mental illness. Furthermore, it investigates whether these reporting practices align with or challenge the prevalent stigma against mental illness that exists locally.

The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the humanization, inclusion, and empowerment of individuals living with severe mental illness across Greater China and the global Chinese diaspora. Employing a robust discourse analytic approach, the book incorporates numerous Chinese-English bilingual news report extracts to substantiate its arguments. As such, Reporting Mental Illness in China appeals to a wide range of scholars, discourse analysts, mental health professionals, and public health authorities, particularly in regions with substantial Chinese-speaking populations.

In the first chapter, the book provides an overview of the historical context and cultural nuances that shape mental illness reporting in Greater China. It explores the historical roots of mental illness stigma, the influence of traditional beliefs and practices, and the impact of Westernization and modernization on mental health care. The chapter also highlights the role of media in perpetuating and challenging these stigmas, emphasizing the need for responsible and sensitive reporting.

Chapter 2 delves into the methodological framework employed in the study. It outlines the discourse analytic approach used to analyze the news reports, including the selection of newspapers, the coding of data, and the interpretation of findings. The chapter also discusses the ethical considerations involved in conducting research on sensitive topics such as mental illness.

Chapter 3 presents the findings of the study, organized into three main sections. The first section explores the construction of mental illness in the news reports, examining the language used, the framing techniques, and the portrayal of individuals with mental illness. The second section examines the social and political factors that influence mental illness reporting, including the role of government policies, social norms, and cultural values. The third section examines the impact of mental illness reporting on public perception and attitudes toward mental illness.

Chapter 4 discusses the implications of the findings for mental health professionals, policymakers, and the general public. It highlights the need for comprehensive and culturally sensitive mental health care, the importance of media literacy and responsible reporting, and the significance of challenging and dismantling mental illness stigma. The chapter also suggests potential areas for future research and intervention.

In conclusion, Reporting Mental Illness in China is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of mental illness reporting in Greater China. By examining the ways in which Chinese-language newspapers construct and present mental illness narratives, the book offers valuable insights into the factors that shape public perception and attitudes toward mental illness. The findings have the potential to inform and empower individuals living with severe mental illness, as well as promote the development of effective policies and interventions to address this pressing issue.

Weight: 353g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367549954