Exploring Mental Illness Stigma in Horror Movies
School
South Eastern Kenya University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
RFFF 76
Subject
Psychology
Date
Dec 11, 2024
Pages
1
Uploaded by georgeobby
Section Two- BackgroundThe presentation of mental illness in horror movies serves the purpose of thrilling the audience. Theviewers are mesmerized by the character’s dissociative disorder or multiple personality disorder. It is thrilling to watch an individual present two types of him or herself. However, while the horror movies should be avenues of self-expression, they have become avenues of stigmatizing the mentally ill. Bradly states, “Instead of horror movies perpetuating stigmatization of mental illness, maybe the films can become an avenue of catharsis for those living with mental illness” (p.2). The horror movies as they are today, stigmatize the mentally ill in the sense that they are presented as outcasts in society. They appear not to be making any meaningful contribution to society as villains.Bradly states that horror movies should create awareness of the existence of mental illness and how people should relate to the mentally ill. Bradly writes, “Movies like ‘Psycho’ account for the continuing stigma of mental illness.” (p.3). This means the mentally ill are perceived as weirdos who are on a murderous and manipulative spree. Horror movies present the mental ill’s actions as a twisted sense of morality. Instead, the movie should present the character as a person trying to bringabout transformative change. This is confusing because how can a person bring about a transformative change through blood shed? Almost all of the main characters in horror movies are presented as murderous- it becomes difficult to believe that the character wants to bring about lasting transformative change through blood shed.
