Children's Views of Mental Illness: A Review of the Literature

Abstract This paper reviews research since 1980 on children's knowledge of and attitudes toward mental illness. This research has involved many different methods, including use of vignettes, projective drawings, storytelling, and direct questioning. Findings suggest that younger children do have clear knowledge of what mental illness is and that their understanding becomes more sophisticated as they age. At the same time, however, even younger children have been found to view people with mental illnesses more negatively than they do other groups. A small literature on depiction of mental illnesses in children's media revealed negative portrayals that may contribute to children's attitudes. Numerous limitations of the research are described and further research is urged, with attention recommended to issues such as the impact of language in designating someone as having a mental health problem, possible differing reactions to peers and adults, and incorporation of the perspectives of children with mental disorders.