Abstract:
Globally, mental health challenges have increased yet public education
remains low with cultural beliefs and stereotypes being some of the social
constructions used to perpetuate mental illnesses, especially in Sub-Saharan
Africa. In view of mental health promotion, Mental health stakeholders in
Sub-Saharan Africa identified media as a critical partner in mental health
public education and policy advocacy. However, review of literature shows
that little research has investigated how the media represents mental health
issues in the region. This article reports results of in-depth interview research
on how the Kenyan mainstream media represents mental health issues and
the role of stigma communication in that representation. The study adopted
the relativist -constructivist paradigm, qualitative research approach and case
study method. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies were applied to
identify participants. Data was generated through in-depth interviews and
analyzed thematically. Trustworthiness was ensured through methodological
and data source triangulation and peer review. Ethical standards were
upheld through seeking of relevant approvals, informed consent, upholding
anonymity and confidentiality of the participants. The findings show mental
health issues are underrepresented and more emphasis is on the ‘ill’ and not
mental health. The Kenyan media links mental health issues to violence and
crime and mental illnesses are represented as ‘a disease’ that affects the poor,
rural and uneducated. Stigma communication exists amongst journalists and
influences the way mental health issues are represented in Kenya.
