Mass Mediation of Mental Illness in Sport

Gibson, Kass and Gorczynski, Paul (2019) Mass Mediation of Mental Illness in Sport. In: Sport, Mental Illness, and Sociology. Sport, Mental Illness and Sociology, 11 . Emerald Publishing, pp. 143-159. ISBN 9781787434707

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/S1476-285420180000011010

Abstract

Purpose This chapter outlines the paucity of media research attending to mental health and mental illness in sport. As such, the purpose of this chapter is to encourage critical reflection and further research on the mass mediation of mental illness in sport. Design/Method/Approach In the first part of the chapter, we review the extensive literature addressing the mass mediation of mental illness and mental health in order to provide key reference points for future scholarship. We then suggest to potential avenues for sociological study of this topic: Talcott Parson’s sick role and Guy Debord’s spectacle. Findings The authors find that the notion of the sick role provides insight into the assumptions underpinning athlete disclosure of mental illness as well as encouragement of help seeking behavior in relation to mental illness specifically. From a broader perspective on mental health, the authors identify a central challenge of the spectacular presentation of mental health and well-being and the lived experience. Research Limitations/Implications The central limitation of the field currently is the dearth of research. Similarly, in providing a broad overview of key considerations, this chapter does not undertake primary media analysis of mental illness in sport. Nonetheless, the authors outline key considerations and lines of inquiry for the field.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Chapter also available through the link provided.
Keywords:	Mental health, mental illness, sick role, society of the spectacle, mass media, sport media
Divisions:	Sport
Depositing User:	Ms Kerry Kellaway
Date Deposited:	01 Feb 2019 15:16
Last Modified:	22 May 2019 11:41
URI:	https://marjon.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17349
Related URLs:	https://www.eme ... 420180000011010 (Publisher URL)

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