Mental Health, Discourse and Stigma

In this editorial to the special collection "Mental Health, Discourse and Stigma" we outline the concepts of mental, health, discourse and stigma as they are examined through sociolinguistic lenses. We examine the sociolinguistic approach to mental health and stigma and discuss the differe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC Psychology 2023-06, Vol.11 (1), p.180-180, Article 180
Main Authors: Zayts-Spence, Olga, Edmonds, David, Fortune, Zoe
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Discourse
Discourse analysis
Health Personnel
Humans
Language
Language and culture
Linguistics
Medical personnel
Mental disorders
Mental Health
Methods
Professionals
Psychiatrists
Psychiatry
Psychology
Social Stigma
Sociolinguistics
Sociology
Stigma
Stigma (Social psychology)
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Summary:In this editorial to the special collection "Mental Health, Discourse and Stigma" we outline the concepts of mental, health, discourse and stigma as they are examined through sociolinguistic lenses. We examine the sociolinguistic approach to mental health and stigma and discuss the different theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches that have been applied in such contexts. Sociolinguistics views mental health and stigma as discursively constructed and constituted, i.e. they are both manifest, negotiated, reinforced or contested in the language that people use. We highlight existing gaps in sociolinguistic research and outline how it could enrich research in psychology and psychiatry and contribute to professional practice. Specifically, sociolinguistics provides well-established methodological tools to research the 'voices' of people with a history of mental ill health, their family, carers and mental health professionals in both online and off-line contexts. This is vital to develop targeted interventions and to contribute to de-stigmatization of mental health. To conclude, we highlight the importance of transdisciplinary research that brings together expertise in psychology, psychiatry and sociolinguistics.
ISSN:2050-7283
2050-7283
DOI:10.1186/s40359-023-01210-6