Question

mental health in the media analysis: \pretty little liars\ clip

1. watch the pretty little liars video clip, and fill in the boxes below to analyze its portrayal of mental health.

character portrayal
spencer is the character going through a mental health challenge in this video.
what are some stereotypes of mental illness that you saw in the pretty little liars clip? how was spencer’s character portrayed? how would this media portrayal impact the viewer? how might it affect their view of people with mental illnesses?
mental health treatment portrayal
spencer is admitted to a mental health hospital after she is found in the woods.
what are some stereotypes of mental health treatment facilities that you saw in the clip? how would this media portrayal impact the viewer? how might it affect their willingness to seek help when experiencing a mental health struggle?

Explanation:

To answer these questions, one would first need to watch the "Pretty Little Liars" clip focusing on Spencer's mental health portrayal. For the "Character Portrayal - Stereotypes" section, common mental illness stereotypes in media include portraying those with mental illness as unstable, dangerous, or having exaggerated symptoms. Spencer’s portrayal might align with or subvert these (e.g., if she’s shown as erratic or misunderstood). For the "Impact on Viewer" part, media portrayals can reinforce stigma (if negative) or increase empathy (if nuanced), affecting how viewers perceive people with mental illness. For "Mental Health Treatment Portrayal - Stereotypes", stereotypes about treatment facilities include depicting them as oppressive, unhelpful, or as places of confinement. The impact on help - seeking would relate to whether the portrayal makes treatment seem scary (discouraging help) or supportive (encouraging help). Since the clip isn't provided here, general frameworks for analysis are given, but actual answers would require viewing the clip.

Answer:

(Note: Since the actual video clip is not provided, the following are general guidelines for answering. To get specific answers, watch the "Pretty Little Liars" clip and analyze based on the content.)

Character Portrayal - Stereotypes of Mental Illness and Spencer’s Portrayal:

• Stereotypes Observed: Common stereotypes in media about mental illness include showing individuals as being out of touch with reality (hallucinations/exaggerated delusions), being a danger to themselves or others, or being unable to function normally. For example, if Spencer is shown having intense, unexplained emotional outbursts or irrational behavior without context, this could reinforce the "unstable" stereotype.
• Spencer’s Portrayal: Observe how Spencer’s actions, dialogue, and interactions with others are presented. If she is shown as struggling but also as a complex person (not just defined by her mental health), that could be a more nuanced portrayal. If she is shown as being "crazy" or a threat, it reinforces negative stereotypes.

Character Portrayal - Impact on Viewer:

• If the portrayal is negative (e.g., Spencer is shown as dangerous or pitiable), it can reinforce stigma, making viewers more likely to fear or avoid people with mental illness. If it is positive/nuanced (showing her humanity, struggles, and support), it can increase empathy and understanding, leading viewers to be more accepting.

Mental Health Treatment Portrayal - Stereotypes of Treatment Facilities:

• Stereotypes of mental health treatment facilities in media often include them being like prisons (locked - down, oppressive), staff being uncaring, or treatment being ineffective. For example, if the mental health hospital Spencer is admitted to is shown as a bleak, uninviting place with harsh staff, this reinforces negative stereotypes.

Mental Health Treatment Portrayal - Impact on Willingness to Seek Help:

• If the treatment facility is portrayed negatively (oppressive, unhelpful), viewers may be discouraged from seeking help, as they associate treatment with a negative experience. If it is portrayed positively (supportive staff, effective treatment), it can make treatment seem more accessible and helpful, encouraging viewers to seek help when they need it.