Examining The Self- And Others-Oriented Effects Of Exposure To A Mental Health Narrative

This study aimed to explore reception processes and effects regarding an entertainment-education message on viewers' self- and others-oriented intentions to seek help for bipolar I disorder (BPI). Overall, exposure to the entertainment-education narrative was associated with increased perceived vulnerability to BPI symptoms, along with greater perceived vulnerability of close other(s) than the exposure to the fact-based BPI public service announcement in the comparison group. Further, identification with the character with BPI indirectly affected help-seeking intentions via perceived vulnerability. Intention to help others seek help was predicted by a serial mediation path from identification, to perceived vulnerability, and to perceived vulnerability of close other(s). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.