Guidelines for news media reporting on mental illness in the context of violence and crime: A delphi consensus study

Abstract

Despite its rare occurrence, severe mental illness is commonly linked to violence and crime in the news media. To reduce harmful effects of reporting, this study aimed to develop best practice guidelines for media reporting on mental illness in the context of violence and crime. Best practice was determined through the Delphi expert consensus method where experts rated statements according to importance for inclusion in the guidelines. In this study, the experts represented three groups: people with lived experience of severe mental illness, media professionals and mental health professionals. The 77 statements that were endorsed as ‘important’ or ‘essential’ by 80 per cent or more of expert..