Abstract
Objective: Because there is a dearth of studies, we examined how intertextuality expressed through relationships between news media storylines contributes to the stigmatization of the mentally ill.
Methods: A nearly complete national sample of newsprint materials was collected over one month. This featured two extensively covered events of acts of violence by mentally ill individuals against members of the public. Discourse analytic techniques involving systematic, repeated, critical viewings were used to examine the relationships between the printed articles about the two stories or events.
Results: Five intertextual themes were identified (patients' rights versus public safety, individuals as victims or heroes, agency, grieving and sense of community). These together with illustrations and layout were indentified as contributing to the stigmatization of the mentally ill as dangerous.
Conclusions: Intertextuality is a central element in the stigmatization of the mentally ill. The findings suggest that mental health professionals need to appreciate the role of intertextuality in order to effectively combat the stigmatization of the mentally ill.