Clinical Psychology and The Media

Clinical Psychology and the Media
The media is a powerful influence on our beliefs about a range of issues and topics, including psychology. Spend some time looking for examples of how the media depicts one or more aspects of Clinical Psychology (e.g., therapy, stigma, psychological testing, psychological research, help-seeking, etc.).

Drawing on one or more of these examples, please discuss your observations about how clinical psychology (or aspects of it) has been presented in the media, and what the effects of this representation may be for clients, clinicians, or other invested parties (e.g., insurance companies, researchers, family members, etc.). As we have not yet started discussing specific disorders, please do NOT focus your essay on the representation of a single disorder or mental illness. (If you are really interested in a particular disorder and want to write about it, fear not: your two longer papers will focus on a specific disorder.)

What aspect(s) of clinical psychology have you chosen to discuss? Why? Remember, do not focus on a specific disorder

How has the issue been presented or discussed in the media (be sure to provide at least one clear example from newspapers, magazines, music, movies, TV, commercials, etc.)?

What do you think the impact of this representation of clinical psychology is on the public’s perception of this issue and/or on other relevant parties (e.g., clients, clinicians, parents, partners, etc.)?

Do you think the media has represented clinical psychology accurately? Do you think the media should “reframe” the issue? Why or why not? Your response should include at least one example of how the media has represented clinical psychology.