Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the Media

Abstract

Scholars have long been concerned that mass media depictions of those with mental disorders foster stigma. Research is needed extricating how particular disorders are represented and perceived, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This article examines what images of obsessions and compulsions exist in the media, and how persons interpret these. It employs two methods: qualitative in-depth interviews and content analysis. Data indicate the media represents obsessions and compulsions in distinguishable ways that both reinforce and complicate common media stereotypes of those with mental disorders—fostering a stigma hierarchy and having contradictory effects on mental health literacy.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to all the interviewees for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences. Thanks go to Barbara Fennell, Erin Fennell, Michael Helperin, Dr. Julie Reid, Dr. Tom Shriver, and Allison Upton for watching movies and providing feedback on the article.

Notes

1. ¹One respondent was unsure if she had OCD. She was told by a health care professional she might currently, or could eventually, develop OCD. Respondents additionally answered questions from the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) (Foa et al. 2002). Twelve respondents said they had not been professionally diagnosed as having OCD. Their scores can be provided on request.

2. ²Movie names, and results isolating characters labeled and marketed as having obsessions and compulsions, can be provided on request.

3. ³The process was as follows. Characters labeled as obsessive-compulsive in IMDB (n.d.) plots were automatically included. Where only the keyword of OCD was given and no character specified, the authors searched the Internet to assess which characters were being referenced. Where the authors could not find such information, the film was dropped from analysis (except in two cases where coders felt they could assume which character viewers were referencing). The authors also included two characters from Four Letter Word, because one character was labeled as obsessive-compulsive within the film, but coders felt another character seemingly exhibited relatively more obsessive-compulsive thoughts/urges/behaviors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dana Fennell

DANA FENNELL is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Southern Mississippi. She has published in the areas of health and the construction of knowledge. Her current research examines alternative health strategies, silence in religious practice, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Michael Boyd

MICHAEL BOYD is Instructor of Fine Arts at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi. He received his degrees in Performance and Pedagogy, as well as Entertainment Industry with an emphasis in Film Studies, from the University of Southern Mississippi. His performances, recordings, and publication reflect his varied interests ranging from Early Music and Historical Preservation, to Pedagogical Methods and the Music of Spain.