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DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-101009
Mediale Stigmatisierung psychisch Kranker im Zuge der „Germanwings“-Katastrophe
Medial Stigmatization of Mentally Ill Persons after the „Germanwings“-CrashPublication History
Publication Date:
09 February 2016 (online)


Zusammenfassung
Anliegen: Untersuchung medialer Stigmatisierungen psychisch Erkrankter nach der „Germanwings-Katastrophe“.
Methode: Auswertung von 251 Texten. Unterscheidung in riskante Berichterstattung und explizite Stigmatisierungsmerkmale.
Ergebnisse: 64,1 % der Texte sind als „riskante Berichterstattung“ einzustufen. In 31,5 % der Texte findet sich mindestens ein Hinweis expliziter Stigmatisierung.
Schlussfolgerung: Im Zuge des Verbrechens ist es mehrheitlich zu einer riskanten Berichterstattung gekommen. Die stärkere Einbeziehung fachlicher Expertise bei derartiger Berichterstattung ist notwendig.
Abstract
Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the frequency of media stigmatization of mentally ill persons after the crash of the “Germanwings”-aircraft on March 2015.
Method: Evaluation of 251 texts, which were published in 12 national German newspapers. Categorical distinction between risky coverage and explicit characteristics of stigmatization.
Results: In 64.1 % of the evaluated texts, a psychiatric disease of the co-pilot was discussed as the possible cause of the crash, making this the most widely-used explanation in the media that we view “risky coverage”. Characteristics of explicit stigmatization were found in 31.5 % of the texts. Most prominent category of explicit stigmatization was the rubric “Metaphorical language/dramatizations”. It was found in 23.5 % of the articles.
Conclusion: Predominantly risky coverage of mentally ill persons has occured in the wake of a spectacular crime. By obtaining professional expertise of psychiatrists and consistent interpretation of journalistic guidelines, unintended effects of stigmatization could be avoided in the future.