Gallery

By: Jack Gritters, Victoria Valdez, Julianna Igama, Liliana Flores

Elise Assaf, Assistant Professor of Communications California State University of Fullerton

Introduction

With a growing society’s awareness of the importance of conversations surrounding mental health, there have been a lot of unproductive discussions. The way we discuss mental health and its effects on individuals and those around them is just as important as having difficult conversations. We still have a long way to go in terms of breaking down misconceptions, stigma, and accessibility to resources. Still, one step towards progress we as a society can and need to make is the language we use when having these conversations. These conversations become unproductive when we use language that only further enforces barriers.

These thoughts are what led researcher and California State University Fullerton Professor Elise Assaf to conduct a study on journalistic representations of mental health. Assaf sought to bring attention and research to the ways in which mental health is portrayed as a burden in journalistic representations. 

Conceptual Ideas of Research

When interviewing Assaf, we focused on three research methods she used in her study: frameworks, critical discourse analysis, and overlexicalization. Assaf’s study consisted of choosing three national publications and two keywords, “mental health” and “mental illness,” which were then searched for in articles spanning a six-month time period. Assaf used frameworks to analyze and understand the data that was then collected from this search. Critical discourse analysis was used to justify the importance of the language used when discussing mental health. Overlexicalization was used to come to these conclusions when examining the language she found surrounding her keywords. These research methods allowed her to create such a nuanced study. Our interview with Assaf gave us more insight into the processes utilized in creating and conducting the study. 

Frameworks 

Elise Assaf described mental health as a burden to be directly affected by “Frameworks used by individuals aren’t just those that they create, rather they are bound to various cultural issues and focuses”.

Assaf’s study identifies a two step concept of framing that involves presentation as well as the reader’s interpretation. Presentation focuses on the aspect of telling a story and how frames can be used in the media to create stereotypes to tell stories in an easier manner.

 Step two, reader’s interpretation, is how a consumer will perceive specific stories, stereotypes, and frames. These examples contribute to forming an interpretation and will lead a consumer to believe them to be true. Misinterpretation as well as the lack of unbiased and true information can hinder these steps and damage a subject’s story directly affecting their mental health. In reference to our interview, frame analysis has many positive and negative implications on society, they are inevitable despite some being problematic. It is necessary in the way we communicate about things in society. It is necessary for us to communicate with patients with a mental health diagnosis and use them to tell their story directly to spread awareness as well as be a source for media outlets.

 The two steps of presentation and reader’s interpretation work together to resonate with news and media consumers differently. Overall, the effect on our mental health can be a massive burden and it is important to not be misinformed while perceiving as well as believing frames in society. 

Critical Discourse Analysis

Elise Assaf defines critical discourse analysis (CDA) as a method that involves a hyperfocus on discourse, encompassing both negative, positive, and neutral parts of language. She emphasizes that CDA often involves examining specific elements of language, such as word choice, placement, synonyms, absence, and repetition, rather than solely adopting a critical perspective. The stigma surrounding mental health often revolves around language – the words we use to describe mental illness, the way it’s framed in media, and how individuals talk about their own struggles. Assaf clarifies a common misconception about CDA, noting that while the term “critical” may imply a negative lens, in reality it simply entails a heightened focus on language without necessarily implying criticism. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the nuanced nature of CDA and its approach to analyzing discourse. 

Assaf explains that she used CDA in conducting her study because of her interest in language and its role in shaping values and ideologies. She believes that analyzing language can provide valuable insights into how individuals understand and communicate about various ideas and beliefs, including those regarding mental health. Additionally, Assaf suggests that language serves as a tool for making sense of information and understanding the underlying reasons behind certain phenomena.

Assaf’s approach to CDA reflects a sophisticated understanding of the complexities of language and its multifaceted role in shaping societal discourses. Her emphasis on the analytical aspect of CDA underscores its utility in uncovering deeper layers of meaning and understanding within texts and language.

Overlexicalization

Elise Assaf explains that overlexicalization often happens in agenda setting. Word choice and over-lexicalization play a crucial role in conveying ideological meanings in news discourse. The repetition of words is usually coupled with an emotional connotation. Excessive over-lexicalization can imply that there is no need for further research on the topic, which can create one-sided ideologies. Assaf explains that when this happens in news discourse, the same stories are being printed over and over; this can prevent the opposing side of the story from being heard, which can create missing information in these stories. In our interview, Elise Assaf explains how when a person reads something that has been repeated, they often then repeat what they learned from the story to more people. This then creates people reiterating the same things and never learning the full story about what they are reading. In terms of mental illness, over-lexicalization happens very often and can create negative connotations for people with mental health illnesses. Often, with the use of social media, words or phrases associated with mental health can be over-lexicalized to the point where the word loses its meaning or people misconstrue the true meaning of the term. Assaf explains how the repetition of words and the connotation in which the words are used both have a strong impact on their audience. It is necessary for people learning about mental health or disabilities to research the terms they are hearing through media outlets because many of these terms are over-lexicalized, which makes it hard for the audience to grasp their correct meaning.

Introduction

• Scholar Interviewed: The spotlight of our research illuminates Elise Assaf, a scholar whose investigative journey delves into the transformative world of social media and its profound impact on individuals with disabilities. Assaf’s academic pursuits are anchored in exploring the vast seas of influencer culture, dissecting its intricate role in sculpting the perceptions, aspirations, and very identities of youth navigating the complexities of disabilities. Her expertise not only contributes a crucial scholarly lens to our understanding of digital culture but also enriches the discourse on accessibility, representation, and identity formation within the digital age. We had the privilege of engaging in a video call with her, delving into the study she had contributed to. Throughout our conversation, we eagerly absorbed her insights as she elaborated on her ideas, offering us a glimpse into innovative concepts.
• Insights Gained: Our engaging dialogue with Elise Assaf unveiled the multifaceted nature of social media, presenting a narrative that oscillates between the glorification of life through rose-tinted filters and the empowering platforms it offers for voices often marginalized. This dual narrative wields significant influence over the career dreams and personal identity frameworks of young people, especially those contending with disabilities. Assaf’s profound insights into this dynamic underscore the pivotal role of inclusivity and understanding in molding educational pathways and fostering personal growth among the youth. Our discussion brought to light the prevalent issues within the disabled community and emphasized the significant role that social media can play in both exacerbating and addressing them.

Section 1: Overview of the Scholar’s Study

• Study Summary: Assaf’s work, as detailed in “An Analysis of Literature on Disability and Fear through Life,” focuses on the intersections of disability, fear, and social perceptions across life stages. Their study critically examines how societal attitudes towards disabilities are mirrored and influenced by social media, stressing the importance of self-advocacy and inclusion. It sheds light on the myriad challenges encountered by disabled youth, including bullying, anxiety within educational environments, interactions with faculty and peers, access to higher education, and transitioning into adulthood.

Section 2: Interview Highlights

• Research Motivations: Assaf was driven by the lack of a nuanced understanding of how social media impacts individuals with disabilities, and additionally emphasizes the crucial significance of inclusivity and visibility for the disabled community.
• Challenges Faced: One major challenge highlighted was navigating the balance between showcasing reality and maintaining privacy or dignity, especially for those with disabilities. The study highlighted the common dilemma faced by individuals with disabilities, who often find themselves torn between striving for a conventional life and grappling with acceptance of their disability
• .Impact of Findings: the findings stressed the need for a more inclusive and diverse representation on social media platforms to foster a more accepting and understanding society. We discussed how important it is for genuine concern and interest in these issues for an influencer if they choose to discuss it on their platforms. It was noted that followers can easily detect a lack of sincerity, which can consequently portray the influencer as merely capitalizing on the trendiness of the issue. Furthermore, the research highlighted the power dynamics at play within influencer-follower relationships, emphasizing the responsibility influencers bear in shaping societal attitudes and perceptions. Authentic engagement with diversity and inclusivity issues not only enhances an influencer’s credibility but also contributes to meaningful social change. By prioritizing genuine connection and empathy over mere virtue signaling, influencers can play a pivotal role in promoting tolerance, acceptance, and understanding within their online communities.

Section 3: General Conceptual Ideas

Her work contributes to the broader discourse on the role of social media in shaping societal norms and perceptions, especially around disability and inclusion. It underscores the need for critical media literacy among the youth to navigate the complex landscapes of identity formation and consumerism influenced by influencer culture.

Section 4: Practical Ideas on Conducting Research

• Data Collection and Analysis Techniques: Assaf emphasized the importance of qualitative approaches to capture the nuanced experiences of individuals with disabilities interacting with social media.
• Advice for Researchers: The importance of ethical considerations, especially concerning privacy and representation of vulnerable populations, has been stressed.

Multimedia Elements

A Short Video Clip of our Interview

• Here is a segment from the interview with Elise Assaf discussing the transformative potential of inclusive influencer culture on societal attitudes towards disabilities.

Static Visualizations

• Only 24.2% of students with learning disabilities disclosed their disability status to post-secondary staff, indicating potential barriers in communication or support systems.
• A significant portion of students perceived university faculty as inaccessible, with just 33% requesting accommodations, suggesting issues with faculty approachability and awareness.
• The low disclosure and accommodation request rates imply a stigma associated with disabilities which may deter students from seeking help or openly acknowledging their disability.
• External influences such as social media, pop culture, and social circles could negatively affect students’ willingness to disclose their disabilities, contributing to the stigma and reluctance to seek necessary support.
• Recently, there has been a significant shift in positive attitudes toward mental and physical disabilities, marked by influencers and public figures openly embracing their identities and contributions to society.

Conclusion

• The exploration into the influence of social media on the lives of young individuals, particularly those with disabilities, has underlined a complex situation of how digital platforms act as double-edged swords. Through our discussion with Elise Assaf, we’ve unearthed an intersectional perspective on how influencer culture can both empower and intimidate, shaping aspirations and identities in profound ways. Assaf’s insights highlight the critical need for a more inclusive representation within digital spaces, advocating for a society that embraces all its members with understanding and respect.
• Through this research, we not only deepen our understanding of these pivotal issues but also take a step closer to realizing a more inclusive society. The path forward is paved with the stories, struggles, and successes of individuals from all walks of life, and it is our shared responsibility to illuminate and honor these narratives within our global digital village.

Publishing Guidelines

• Authorship: Alexis Logan and Harper, in collaboration with Elise Assaf.

By: Angela Cruz, Cristina Rivas, Genesis Gaitan, Guadalupe Ruelas

Professor Evans-Zepeda

On March 29th, we had the opportunity to speak to Professor Evans-Zepeda, an associate professor in the Human Communications department at Cal State Fullerton. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Cal State LA as a communications studies major. She received her Ph.D. at the University of New Mexico, where her focus was intercultural communication and rhetoric. She wrote her dissertation on the undocumented immigrant youth movement. Professor Evans-Zepeda found interest in the activism being done by youth groups and how they were affected by the immigration laws that barred them from having citizenship, no matter how long they lived in the country.

Q: What inspired you to research misinformation and stereotypes regarding immigration? 

The reason Professor Evans-Zepeda was inspired to research misinformation and stereotypes regarding immigration was because she mentioned that it was a very personal thing to her and her family. Professor Evans-Zepeda and her family migrated from central Mexico when she was about six years old, and even as a child, she noticed a very explicit anti-immigrant sentiment. While growing up, she realized that there was a connection between the kind of words that were heralded towards her and her family, words that were dehumanizing and very inaccurate. That made her want to do a deep dive and make sure that she understood the why, how, and most importantly, the how to make a change so that it didn’t continue to be the experience of other people who are also migrating. She stated that she didn’t want others to feel rejected because their intention of coming here was to bring the best that they could to this country.

Q: How did you conduct your research? 

Professor Evans-Zepeda would call herself a qualitative critical scholar, meaning she does not necessarily depend on quantitative research, which is more based on data. Still, she was interested in the personal stories of people who were related to her interests and who could relate to her story. She has done in-depth interviews to give people who are reading her work a detailed snapshot of what their experience has been like. She has also done other research focusing on her own life and experiences when writing. She also includes content analysis, known as rhetoric analysis (media analysis), which means that what she is interested in is looking for cultural practices; this type of research includes looking at the text and artifacts that can be media-related, and it helps her ask questions and conclude with this analysis what can we take from the media text and make better sense on the question she develops through her process. 

Q: What was your most important factor when conducting research (ex., interviews, reading, surveys, etc.)? 

When conducting her research, Professor Evans-Zepeda emphasized that every research step should be intentional and vigorous. She believes starting with a concrete research question is a substantial base to filter the research you seek and what scholars to reach out to. As a qualitative critical researcher, Professor Evans-Zepeda remains aware that she is not a completely objective researcher. Her personality and personal opinions will affect how she engages in her research; with this in mind, she strives to be ethical in her interview approach and the channels she uses for her study. 

Q: Do you feel that through your research, you were able to figure out why media outlets spread misinformation? 

Professor Evans-Zepeda has spent a long time researching this question; she started in 2006 and tried to find an answer to understand the truth about media outlets better. She stated “yes and no” that she believes media outlets spread misinformation, saying that media outlets can be co-creating the type of research she is doing. Although Professor Evans-Zepeda doesn’t have a congregate answer, she did say that her research and the research she has taken from other scholars with the same interest in this topic have been beneficial in debunking a lot of the myths that do exist about immigrants and the various false information and issues such as “what it takes to be an illegal immigrant” and saying such as “get back in line” and the type of example the media gives to explain why it’s a complicated process. Other myths she brought up that she has seen include what kind of economic assistance immigrants bring to the United States or the many misconceptions such as having to fund the lives of immigrants. According to Professor Evans-Zepeda, that data shows how inaccurate those statements are. She has tried to show others and educate others that many of the numbers and statistics that have been used regarding immigration contribution have been put in the wrong context and are very explicit about immigrants being a very wonderful contribution and necessary element of the United States. 

Q: In your opinion, what is the best way to combat the distribution of misinformation? 

Professor Evans-Zepeda shared that we need to return to reputable, credible, academic, peer-reviewed scholarships because of their high level of academic work, which has gone through many procedures to ensure validity. She also recommended looking at sources. She mentioned that when looking at where misinformation comes from, sources often have slanted political views and an agenda of what narrative to push. She advised bringing forward independent and non-profit venues where they take a more critical lens and give a more holistic understanding of specific topics. Additionally, she emphasized being committed to telling stories that mainstream media and society often overlook through counter-storytelling. Counter-storytelling is vital because it gives the audience an idea of what reality is for folks being affected beyond superficial narratives, which can be very harmful as they push stereotypes and assumptions that are not true. 

Q: Why do you believe that it is important to not spread false information regarding immigration? 

Professor Evans-Zepeda believes it is essential to avoid spreading false information because it has many material consequences. The example she used is the Trump election, in which American citizens saw a significant uptake of anti-immigrant rhetoric being pushed forward. She also highlighted that the hate speech during this time led to violence, and she described it as a very scary thing to witness. She said it was scary that there was this wrong narrative and an amorphous abstract way it impacted Americans. She mentioned the real impact of things such as the border separation and the way children have been affected. She added that this is not just the case for immigrants, but that whenever there is misinformation or false information, and people act in accordance with wrong information, it affects policies and viewpoints and shapes who we are as a nation. She argued that Americans do not want to be a nation that is rooted in nativism, xenophobia, and problematic values since that is not concurrent with what the ideals of the U.S. are supposed to be, which are equality and freedom.  

Q: Do you believe that as a professor it is important to make sure you are teaching your students factual information, rather than relying on what is written by media outlets; if so why? 

Professor Evans-Zepeda assigns research papers in her classes for more purposes than teaching students how to write papers of that caliber. She focuses on teaching her students how to find credible sources. Professor Evans-Zepeda believes the procedure of understanding what is good data is a vital skill beyond simply writing a research paper. It is essential to question what sources information is being taken from. People should question who is writing the “research” they are reading. What are that person’s interests and agenda, how are they looking for the information to be perceived, and why is it important that the information is accessible and public? Professor Evans-Zepeda encourages her students to utilize university resources and approach research with an open mind. 

By: Christina De Luna, Bryana Nguyen, Ruby Marie Perez, and Neida Torres

We had a wonderful interview with Dr. Elise Assaf to discuss her dissertation, Hidden Power: Journalistic Representation of Mental Health Labels. Dr. Assaf is an assistant professor in the Department of Communications, teaching public relations and entertainment courses in the undergraduate communications program. In addition to her professional career, she is also a wife and a mother of 2 and a half children. She is also a lover of animals as she has two dogs and even finds time to raise chickens. She took her time out of her busy schedule to provide very valuable insight to her process in writing and performing her research project.  

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Interview with Dr. Elise Assaf

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Q1- Can you share a brief summary of your experience, how long you have been teaching, and the field of study that you specialize in? 

Dr. Assaf completed her master’s program at California State Fullerton University in 2015. She expressed interest in teaching and started a position at Cal State Fullerton in the spring of 2016. While she was teaching, she applied to start her PhD program. Her professional background is in Public Relations, which is why she teaches the public relations and entertainment classes. She has a varied background that allows her to be a floater in the Communications department teaching various topics across the department. Her primary research interests are in media representation. One of the the first topics that interested her was when she started to look at sports as it related to the way women were discussed and the bad behavior inside the sports world.  When she went into the PHD program, she wrote a paper about what was affecting college students. She focused on the subject of mental health. She had a personal connection to this topic as she had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and her brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She realized that people have  been vocal about stereo types of people who had mental health issues and it became an interest of hers to explore why these stereotypes existed. Because of her background in media it made sense for her to look at the media representation of those stereotypes and why they were being perpetuated within scripted content on TV. It was very impressive that she shared her personal story as it related to mental health. She said that she shares her story very openly because she believes that you can’t improve on these situations if you can’t talk about them openly.

Q2- Your research study is 250 pages long. How do you know where to start with a topic so complex? 

The first thing that is important is that you have to select a topic that you are interested in. The second thing is that you have to select a research topic that is going to sustain a project. For example, this dissertation theoretically is done in one to  two years, but she has a book chapter that is tied to this dissertation that she is looking at now and that is five to six years later. 

Also, a professor of hers once told her, “The best research is done research.” That is a major factor. You have to know what your time frames are and your topic has to be something that is completed in that amount of time. 

The key points in picking a topic are, the following: 

1. Pick something that you are interested in. 

2. Pick something that can sustain you, but also has a deadline 

The other key thing to remember is that you can always do more research in the future. When you think about a project, think about something that is manageable and that you can always go back to later to review from a different angle.

Q3- What inclined you to choose the three newspaper outlets? Were there any other outlets that you were considering? 

Dr. Assaf mentioned that she had a conflict of interest with one of the committee members where she expressed that being in that scenario was not common at all. She explained that the way a dissertation works has a chair, two committee members, and one would be in the department you are getting your degree in and an outside person from a different university/practicing in the field you are researching in. Then Dr. Assaf tells us that one of the committee members’ husband was working in the LA Times specifically as a health reporter. As she was completing her research his articles would come up in the data set if she was going to pick the LA Times. She explains why she wanted to pick LA Times as a media outlet to study. She originally wanted three national publications- East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest, however, due to the conflict of interest she had to reassess. That led her to The Washington Post, The New York Times, and USA Today. 

Q4- What criteria were used to select the sample of news articles for analysis in this study on journalistic representations of mental health labels?

Dr. Assaf first explained the route with the data was because they were publicly accessible text she did not have to go through IRB and not worry about going back and forth with it. She deep-dived into the process of what articles she would be using based on how accessible they were. She and the committee arranged a timeline and emphasized what was manageable. It was described as how many articles have been written in a certain timeframe and what can be done in the allotted time the analysis needs to be completed.

Q5- How come television or any other medium was chosen? 

Dr. Assaf explained that because the news articles are publicly accessible it dictated her decision. She did not have to pay for the majority of subscriptions, but one. In addition, Dr. Assaf expressed that it was daunting if she chose television, film, or news broadcasting because of how long it would have taken. She was lucky enough to have a colleague verify her findings within the articles she was analyzing and felt that it would have been difficult if she had used a different medium.  

Q6- Across the three newspaper outlets, are there any differences in the language journalists use?  If so, how do these variations contribute to the overall narrative surrounding mental health labels?

Dr. Assaf recalled that there was nothing major between the three newspaper outlets which could be due to their style guide. She explained that these three newspaper outlets use AP for example, but could be modified to that publication. However, it will be mirrored from one publication to the next, and terminology varies with politically extreme publications. Overall, the three publications that were used are ‘middle of the row’ publications and language did not really differentiate between them. 

Figure 4-2 and 4-3 pulled from Dr. Assaf’s dissertation

Q7- During the research process, were there any challenges encountered? If so, what were the steps to overcome the challenges?

The committee was the biggest challenge that Dr. Assaf faced during the research process.  Simply because it was a very different dynamic. There was quantitative and qualitative research.  When doing conference papers, have reviewers who are blind, and they have their own way of research. A couple of people who review her work, have their own opinions on why she did the research methods she chose.

Q8- What methods were utilized when collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data?

Dr. Assaf used online articles within the date parameters. Using an Excel sheet was also the easiest to organize the articles by using code words for each article.

Q9- When reporting on mental health issues, can you go into depth on the qualitative content analysis process? 

Dr. Assaf talked about how content analysis employs a qualitative method, focusing on understanding the intentions of authors through their word choices and discerning how audiences interpret them. She emphasizes the importance of examining specific evidence within the text to infer the author’s intentions and analyzing the language contextually to gauge its impact on the audience’s perception. This involves scrutinizing the phrasing surrounding particular words for deeper insights. 

Q10- We understand that words hold a lot of power. Do you think news publications will be more sensitive to how they word things in the future?

Dr. Assaf’s perspective highlights the evolving power of words in contemporary society, particularly in the context of “cancel culture” and vocal advocacy. The accessibility of platforms for expressing opinions has made it easier for individuals to voice their concerns about problematic language. However, this also creates challenges for journalists who must navigate the ever-changing landscape of terminology to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in their reporting. The diversity of opinions on this topic reflects the complexity of balancing free expression with the responsibility to use language responsibly.

Q11- You mentioned that it is problematic for those who are more knowledgeable about mental health and mental illness to be rarely ever provided with opportunities to speak from the authority of their lived experiences. Why is that? Are they trying to silence them?

Dr. Assaf’s concerns highlight the complex dynamics journalists face when reporting on individuals who are involved in legal matters or have disabilities. While it’s crucial to ensure that diverse voices, including those of people with disabilities, are heard, journalists must approach the situation with sensitivity and respect for their rights and well-being. When considering whether to seek quotes from individuals with conditions like schizophrenia or autism, journalists should prioritize informed consent, respect boundaries set by legal representatives or advocates, and be mindful of the potential impact on the individual’s mental health. It’s essential to foster an inclusive and ethical approach to reporting, recognizing the importance of amplifying marginalized voices while upholding ethical standards and ensuring the dignity and agency of all individuals involved.

Q12- Do you think news publications write that people with disabilities are the aggressors to get the reader’s attention?

Dr. Assaf’s observation underscores the tension between the commercial imperative of news media to attract readership through attention-grabbing headlines and the journalistic responsibility to provide accurate, informative, and nuanced reporting. The prevalence of clickbait headlines and the focus on generating traffic can sometimes overshadow the substance of the stories being reported. Her experience with the New York Times editor reflects a concerning trend where discussions about headlines take precedence over meaningful conversations about the content itself. Moving forward, Dr. Assaf expresses hope for a shift in priorities within the news media industry. 

To watch the full interview here: Full Interview with Dr. Elise Assaf