RT Article
T1 Representation of mental illness in Christian self-help bestsellers
JF Mental health, religion & culture
VO 11
IS 7
SP 697
OP 717
A1 Webb, Marcia
A1 Stetz, Kathy
A1 Hedden, Kristin
A2 Stetz, Kathy
A2 Hedden, Kristin
LA English
YR 2008
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1838933786
AB The present study examined messages about mental illness in 14 contemporary Christian self-help bestsellers. Content analysis revealed that most texts focused upon depression. Categories of textual units included Underlying Assumptions Regarding Depression, Representations of Depression, Roots/Causes/Reasons for Depression, and Christian Responses to Depression. Demonic influence was the most frequently cited reason for depression. Other reasons included negative cognitions, failure as a Christian, and negative emotions. Christian responses to depression included trusting God, religious activity, and individual willpower. Discussion of these results focused upon the problematic impact of these messages upon individuals with depression, and upon suggestions for reducing mental illness stigma in religious communities.
K1 Demons
K1 Depression
K1 Media
K1 Mental Illness
K1 Religious attitudes
K1 Self-help
K1 Stigma
DO 10.1080/13674670801978634