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Communications to children about mental illness and their role in stigma development: an integrative review
- Authors:
- MUELLER Joanne, CALLANAN Margie M., GREENWOOD Kathryn
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 25(1), 2016, pp.62-70.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
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: Systematic literature searches were conducted within electronic databases and abstracts were scanned to identify relevant studies. Fifteen papers were selected for the review. Results: The 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: This review suggests overcoming stigma will require efforts targeting young children, explicitly tackling mental illness, and spanning multiple social spheres: further research is warranted. (Publisher abstract)