Reflections on Journalism and Mental Health Reporting: Lessons Learned about Labeling vs. Giving Voice

Panel Presentation for The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism

September 9, 2013

Caroline Clauss-Ehlers, Ph.D.

Department of Educational Psychology

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Being Aware of What We Know and Don’t Know

Incorrect labeling can increase stigma Looking at emotional distress on a spectrum; e.g.,

appropriate sadness to psychosis Cultural conceptions of symptoms Pathologizing vs. understanding from a

multicultural framework Strength-based approach

Sticking to Your Story Being clear what the

story is and isn’t about

Implications for mental health issues

Univision example

The learning for journalists: Set the limits with the media outletEducate the media outletDon’t get caught up in the dramatization of mental illness

Labeling vs. Giving Voice to Your Story

How do you convey the heart of your story?

Who are the voices to include in your story?

Giving Voice to Your Story:

Who Tells the Story? Ser Padres Example

A story about the achievement gap among Latino youthInterviewing parentsClara’s experience

The learning for journalists:

- Decrease stigma by presenting different aspects of the issue

- Provide information for your audience through diverse stories

Provide Accurate Information for Your Story: The Whole Picture

Diagnoses can get simplified in the context of the media outlet

Work to expand the complexity of your story

Glamour magazine example

Ethics & Approach Getting permission

when needed Full awareness of the

story; Ser Padres example

Understanding the potential impact of your relationship

The power of listening

An empathic approach

Where to Turn

The Fellowship network

Reflections on Journalism and Mental Health Reporting: Lessons Learned about Labeling vs. Giving Voice to the Story

Panel Presentation for The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism

September 9, 2013

Caroline Clauss-Ehlers, Ph.D.

Department of Educational Psychology

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey