Portrayals of mental illness and crime in the Hong Kong media : a quantitative and qualitative analysis

Abstract

Background: Mental health issues (MHI) had gained much concern in Hong Kong after series of tragedies of violent incidents linked to people with mental health issues (PMHI). Crime news reports that discriminated PMHI were criticized by the Hong Kong Press Council, as such irresponsible and sensational reporting may further encourage discrimination, stigmatization and incrimination towards PMHI in our society.

Aims: This study aimed at reflecting the newspaper reporting of MHI in Hong Kong by identifying the frequently used descriptions, phrases and images on people with MHI and the implications of such portrayals may contribute to labeling PMHI. The possible recommendations on news coverage related to MHI for media professionals would be constructed.

Methods: Content analysis on 233 news articles from 5 major Chinese newspapers was carried out. In-depth interviews with 4 media workers from local news agencies were also conducted. Quantitative-qualitative methodological triangulation was used to enhance confidence in the ensuing findings.

Results: Stigmatizing terms were found to be excluded from the news pieces but MHI were found often associated with stories of violence with dramatic style of reporting.

Limitations: Limitations of this study were revealed and given justifications. These include limitations of sample sizes, searched terms, the nature of method of research, etc.

Conclusions: The research findings demonstrated an improvement in terminology in depicting PMHI throughout the decades. The portrayals on PMHI were positive or neutral in general. The claims-making between violence and PMHI were mainly conducted by the Police and the informant. The recommendation of a practical guideline in describing the diagnosis and terminology of MHI was welcomed by the interviewed media workers.