Mental health reporting in the Sun: a corpus analysis of adjective use

This research focuses on analyzing the adjectives used to describe mental health in articles from The Sun, a popular British tabloid. The aim is to understand how these word choices shape public perceptions of mental illness. The study uses corpus linguistics to analyze the language of The Sun, focusing on how it constructs narratives around mental health. This approach allows for a systematic and in-depth analysis of the newspaper’s language. The research combines quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of how adjectives are used in the Sun’s reporting on mental health. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of mental health, and language – particularly adjectives – serves as a powerful tool in constructing these representations. Adjectives are often used to frame mental health issues in ways that can either reinforce stigma or promote understanding. In tabloid journalism, such as The Sun, sensationalism frequently drives language choices, leading to the use of emotionally charged adjectives like “dangerous”, “unpredictable”, or “tragic”. These descriptors contribute to an oversimplified and sometimes fear-inducing portrayal of individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This study intends to examine the portrayal of mental health in the press. The impetus for this study came from the interest in the increased cases of mental health due to the Covid19 pandemic globally. A report by Our World in Data revealed that 970 million people worldwide suffer from mental health problems. Addressing these concerns requires a critical examination of the adjectives used in mental health reporting. By identifying patterns and biases in publications like The Sun, we can uncover the subtle yet powerful ways in which language contributes to stigma or, conversely, fosters empathy and awareness.