Main content

Psychology of voting, media portrayals of mental health, designer asylum

What can psychology tell us about the influences on how we vote? Claudia Hammond examines portrayals of mental health in comedy, and should images of 'head clutching' be banned?

Are you an undecided voter? Claudia Hammond finds out what psychology can tell us about some of the influences on our decision making in the run up to the election. Cognitive psychologist, Professor Colin Davis talks about his research on TV election debates and the influence of the on screen 'worm' used to show what a group of undecided voters think about what's being said throughout the debate. How is mental health portrayed in the media? Paul Whitehouse's recent comedy, Nurse, showed him playing a range of people being visited by community psychiatric nurse, Liz. Is it funny and does it matter if people with mental health problems are used as the subject of comedy? Claudia is joined by real life CPN, Lin, and by anti-stigma campaigner, Nikki Mattocks, to discuss the programme. Also - the call for picture editors not to use 'head clutching' shots to accompany stories about mental health in the media. Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change explains. And what would an ideal asylum look like? Artist James Leadbitter shows reporter, Victoria Gill, his creation.

Available now

28 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Tue 7 Apr 2015 21:00
  • Wed 8 Apr 2015 15:30

The All in the Mind Awards 2025

The All in the Mind Awards 2025

Find full details and how to submit nominations for the Awards.

How to Manage Your Worries

How to Manage Your Worries

A quick and easy guide on how to cope with the things you worry about.

Podcast