Who's responsible for depression?

Abstract

Using content analysis, this study comparatively examines how Chinese and US newspapers framed depression and attributed causal and problem-solving responsibilities at individual and societal levels. The study explores how cultural values and organizational constraints influenced the frame-building process. US newspapers placed more causal and problem-solving responsibilities on the individual than on the society, whereas Chinese newspapers attributed more problem-solving but not causal responsibilities to the society. Compared to US newspapers, Chinese newspapers placed more problem-solving responsibilities on the society and, surprisingly, more causal responsibilities on the individual. Findings are discussed in the context of cultural and organizational influences. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.