Breaking News or Breaking Stigma? The Effect of News Headline Framing on College Mental Health Prescriptions

As traditional news media continue to create and reinforce stigma through biased or sensationalized coverage, stigma remains a significant obstacle to mental health care. Prior research shows that news framing can shape public attitudes and beliefs. Building on this literature, this study examines news headline framing regarding college students’ mental health prescription use, amid increasing rates of mental health difficulties. Results of the experiment found that even brief exposure to headline framing can significantly shape attitudes toward mental health prescriptions. Headlines emphasizing effectiveness led to more positive attitudes than mixed or controversy-framed headlines, and these attitudes were positively associated with behavioral intentions. Notably, personal stigma functioned as a key variable influencing credibility and attitudes.