Glossary / Lexicon

In psychology, depiction refers to the representation of people, events, or situations through various forms of media, such as art, literature, film, or music. Depiction can have a significant impact on how individuals perceive and understand the world around them, as well as how they form attitudes and beliefs about different groups or individuals.

One example of depiction is through the use of stereotypes in media. Stereotypes are simplified, often exaggerated, and sometimes inaccurate depictions of different groups or individuals based on their characteristics such as race, gender, or age. The depiction of stereotypes can lead to the perpetuation of prejudice and discrimination, as well as negative psychological outcomes, such as decreased self-esteem and increased feelings of exclusion among those who are stereotyped.

Another example of depiction is through the representation of mental health in media. Mental health issues are often depicted in popular media, such as movies, TV shows, and books. The way mental health is depicted can impact public perceptions of mental illness, as well as how individuals who experience mental health issues perceive themselves. Depictions of mental health in media can also shape attitudes towards seeking help for mental health issues and accessing mental health care.

Depiction can also occur through the portrayal of historical events, such as the depiction of slavery or the Holocaust in textbooks, movies, and other forms of media. These depictions can shape individuals' perceptions of history, as well as their attitudes towards different groups or individuals. For example, a historical depiction that emphasizes the heroism of white abolitionists during the Civil Rights era may lead individuals to view racism as a problem of the past and downplay the ongoing impact of systemic racism on people of color.

Similarly, the depiction of different groups in news media can shape public perceptions of those groups, as well as influence attitudes towards social and political issues. For example, the depiction of refugees as criminals or terrorists in news media can lead to increased hostility towards refugees and a decrease in support for refugee resettlement programs.

In addition to these examples, there are many other ways in which depiction can impact individuals' perceptions and attitudes towards different issues. For instance, depiction can influence attitudes towards gender and sexuality, disability, and religious groups.

Similar to depiction, there are other psychological concepts that involve the representation of information, such as framing and priming. Framing refers to the way in which information is presented or "framed," which can influence how individuals perceive and respond to that information. For example, the framing of a political issue as a matter of national security may lead individuals to view it differently than if it were framed as a matter of social justice.

Priming refers to the activation of mental associations or concepts that can influence individuals' perceptions and behaviors. For example, priming individuals with words related to aging can lead them to walk more slowly and perform worse on memory tests than those who were primed with neutral words.

In conclusion, depiction in the psychology context refers to the representation of people, events, or situations through various forms of media. Depiction can have a significant impact on how individuals perceive and understand the world around them, as well as how they form attitudes and beliefs about different groups or individuals. Examples of depiction include the use of stereotypes in media, the portrayal of mental health in media, the representation of historical events, and the depiction of different groups in news media. Other psychological concepts that involve the representation of information include framing and priming.