Communications to children about mental illness and their role in stigma development: an integrative review. (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mueller, Joanne; Callanan, Margie M.; Greenwood, Kathryn
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 25:Number 1(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: child development -- mental illness -- social communication -- socialisation -- stigma; Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2015.1021899
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

Abstract: Background : Limited literature on the stigma of mental illness has examined the socio-cultural processes involved in the development of stigma around mental health in children, which emerges in mid-childhood (7–11 years). Greater understanding might inform preventative interventions. Aims : This review aims to integrate disparate theoretical and empirical research to provide an overview of social communications to children aged 7--11 years about mental illness and their role in the development of stigmatised views. Four key socio-cultural contexts (the media, school, peers, parents) of relevance to children's development will be considered. Method: S ystematic literature searches were conducted within electronic databases and abstracts were scanned to identify relevant studies. Fifteen papers were selected for the review. Results: T he review found few studies have directly examined communications about mental illness to children. Available evidence suggests messages across children's socio-cultural contexts are characterised by silence and stigma, which may shape children's developing views. Specific theoretical frameworks are lacking; possible mechanisms of transmission are discussed. Conclusions: T his review suggests overcoming stigma will require efforts targeting young children, explicitly tackling mental illness, and spanning multiple social spheres: further research is warranted.