Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the Media

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-23-2014

Department

Anthropology and Sociology

Abstract

Scholars have long been concerned that mass media depictions of those with mental disorders foster stigma. Research is needed extricating how particular disorders are represented and perceived, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This article examines what images of obsessions and compulsions exist in the media, and how persons interpret these. It employs two methods: qualitative in-depth interviews and content analysis. Data indicate the media represents obsessions and compulsions in distinguishable ways that both reinforce and complicate common media stereotypes of those with mental disorders—fostering a stigma hierarchy and having contradictory effects on mental health literacy.

Publication Title

Deviant Behavior

Volume

35

Issue

9

First Page

669

Last Page

686

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