Title
Vividness in Portrayals and Disclaimers on Depression and Suicide
Date of Award
2019
Degree Name
M.A. in Communication
Department
Department of Commuication
Advisor/Chair
Advisor: Angeline Sangalang
Second Advisor
Advisor: James Robinson
Third Advisor
Advisor: Brittany Beckner
Abstract
The present investigation examines the impact of vividness in portrayals of suicide on empathy, perceived and personal mental health stigma, and help-seeking (treatment) intentions. Through the theoretical frameworks of framing and inoculation, the study examined the impact of vividness in both entertainment portrayals of suicide and the warning messages that precede them. More specifically, the study explored the potential for vividness to impact empathy and sympathy along with stigma (through message framing) and the potential for vividness to increase help-seeking warning messages (through inoculation). With the increase of portrayals of suicide in mass media, this study examines one such portrayal from the Netflix television series, 13 Reasons Why, to provide recommendations for future portrayals.
Keywords
Communication, Health, Vividness, Framing, Inoculation, 13 Reasons Why, Media Effects, Suicide
Rights Statement
Copyright 2019, author
Recommended Citation
Rita, Samuel N., "Vividness in Portrayals and Disclaimers on Depression and Suicide" (2019). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 6937.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/graduate_theses/6937