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Shifting Minds: Understanding the Development, Representation & Impact of Mental Health Storytelling in Entertainment
MTV Entertainment Studios and Kids & Family PROJECT
About This Project
Summary
The Mental Health Storytelling Coalition works together to expand authentic mental health narratives by fueling the creative collaboration between storytellers and mental health experts. To support this mission, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios engaged the USC Norman Lear Center Media Impact Project to study the collaboration process between storytellers and experts, trends in mental health representation, and the impact of responsible mental health storylines on viewers.
Goals & Objectives
-Understand trends in representation since the launch of the coalition and the release of the Mental Health Media Guide -Highlight the audience impact of authentic, responsible mental health storytelling -Identify opportunities to further expand mental health representation in popular entertainment
Results & Impact
- The findings suggest a shift toward greater mental health representation on screen and more respectful and nuanced discussions of mental health - For the majority of storylines, viewers showed in reduced stigma toward those receiving treatment and/or greater willingness to seek therapy themselves
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