Psychology In Seattle Podcast Mental Illness and Violence (2017 Rerun)
Aug 7, 2025
The discussion dives into the false stereotypes linking mental illness to violence, highlighting how media influences these perceptions. It cleverly debunks myths, emphasizing that mental health issues don’t make someone inherently violent and often make individuals victims instead. Personal stories mix with statistics to unpack the real factors behind aggression, including trauma and substance use. A humorous airplane tale adds levity, showcasing the unpredictability of human behavior. Overall, it calls for greater understanding and support for mental health.
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Normalcy Shortcut to Safety
- People quickly judge others by normalcy to assess threat and safety.
- Unusual behavior triggers fear and assumptions of violence due to unpredictability.
Media Bias on Mental Illness
- The vast majority of violent crimes are committed by people who appear normal.
- The association of mental illness with violence is often exaggerated by media and personal bias.
Media Portrayals Reinforce Stigma
- Movies and TV often link mental illness with violence, reinforcing stigma.
- Characters like Lenny from Mice and Men reinforce myths about mentally handicapped individuals committing violence.
