Portrayal of Mental Illness in Contemporary Young Adult Literature

(Literature Review)

Hareem Fatima and Mahnoor Hamdani

Department Of English, Fatima Jinnah Women university

Research Methodology

Ms. Sabiha Zunnorain

28th May 2023

Characteristics of Contemporary Young Adult Literature Portraying

Mental Illness 3

Impact of Young Adult Literature on Readers, Particularly Adolescents 5

Benefits and Limitations of Using Young Adult Literature to Educate and

Raise Awareness About Mental Illness 9

Theoretical Frameworks Relevant to Portrayal of Mental Illness in

Contemporary 10

Conclusion 11

References 12

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Portrayal of Mental Illness in Contemporary Young Adult Literature:
raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness

Introduction

The portrayal of mental illness in contemporary young adult literature has become a significant and

growing topic of interest in the field of literature and psychology. In recent years, there has been a

notable increase in the number of young adult books that feature protagonists struggling with

mental illness, ranging from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. While

there is no doubt that the representation of mental illness in young adult literature has helped to

raise awareness about mental health and break down stigmas around mental illness, it is equally

important to examine how these portrayals impact readers, particularly young adults who may be

experiencing similar conditions.

This literature review will explore the characteristics of contemporary young adult literature that

portray mental illness, the impact of these literary representations on young adult readers, and the

potential benefits and drawbacks of such representations. Drawing on several studies, articles, and

books, this review will analyse how young adult literature has evolved to portray mental illness as a

multifaceted, complex, and sympathetic issue, rather than a one-dimensional caricature or

stereotype.

The first section of the review will provide an overview of the current state of the field, highlighting

trends and themes in young adult literature that feature characters with mental illness. The second

section will focus on examining the impact of young adult literature on readers, particularly

adolescents who may be dealing with their own mental health issues. The third and final section

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will discuss the benefits and limitations of using young adult literature as a tool for educating and

raising awareness about mental illness. Through this review, we will gain a better understanding of

the representation of mental illness in young adult literature and its broader implications for readers

and society.

Characteristics of Contemporary Young Adult Literature

Portraying Mental Illness

In recent years, the portrayal of mental illness in contemporary young adult literature has become

more prevalent and nuanced. Young adult literature is a rapidly evolving genre that reflects societal

shifts and pressures, and the increasing representation of mental illness reflects a growing

acknowledgment of the importance of mental health issues in society. Studies have shown that

approximately one in five young adults in the United States experience some form of mental illness

(“About Mental Health”), such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Therefore, the

representation of these issues in literature has the potential to be a powerful tool for both awareness

and understanding.

Contemporary young adult literature is characterised by a range of genres, including realism,

dystopian fiction, fantasy, and science fiction. This increasing diversity allows for a variety of

perspectives and experiences to be portrayed, including those related to mental illness. A popular

sub-genre that often incorporates themes of mental illness is contemporary realism, which takes a

realistic approach to portraying characters and their experiences.

In contemporary young adult literature, characters dealing with mental illness are no longer

one-dimensional stereotypes. Instead, they are portrayed in a more nuanced and three-dimensional

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way, reflecting the complexities of mental health issues. One notable trend is the portrayal of mental

illness as a part of the character's identity rather than being their defining characteristic. For

example, John Green's "Turtles All the Way Down" features a protagonist, Aza, who struggles with

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (Flood et al.). While Aza's OCD impacts her daily life, it is

not the sole focus of the novel, and Aza is also portrayed as a caring friend, daughter, and student.

Another trend in recent young adult literature is the exploration of the mental health system and the

experiences of those who interact with it. Novels like “Challenger Deep” by Neal Shusterman and

“The Center of Everything” by Linda Urban, for example, portray characters who experience a

range of emotions concerning the way mental illness touches on their lives and the role of the

mental health system.

Overall, the current state of the field concerning the portrayal of mental illness in contemporary

young adult literature is varied. While there has been an increase in diverse representations of

mental illness, there is still room for improvement in terms of representation of different mental

health conditions and their interplay with identity. Additionally, there is a need to ensure that these

representations are accurate and do not perpetuate existing stigmas surrounding mental illness.

Taken together, these trends reflect a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in

contemporary society and the value of representing issues related to mental illness in young adult

literature.

Impact of Young Adult Literature on Readers, Particularly

Adolescents

The Portraits of Suicide in Contemporary Literature for Young Adults: Dissecting Four Late Books,

examines the depiction of self destruction in contemporary literature for young adults. It looks at

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four recent novels that won awards, such as Jay Asher's "Thirteen Reasons Why", Gayle Forman's

"If I Stay," Lauren Oliver's "Before I Fall" and Jennifer Niven's "All the Bright Places". The article

contends that young adult literature has the power to shape readers' worldviews and perspectives, as

well as to spark meaningful discussions about a wide range of topics, including suicide. The authors

suggest that educators and professionals in mental health services should use literature written for

young adults as a means of involving young adults in discussions about these topics. The article

emphasizes the importance of a sensitive and nuanced approach to depictions of suicide and mental

health in literature for young adults. (Aberle et al.)

In contemporary young adult literature, mental illness has become a theme explored with nuance

and complexity. A range of genres, including contemporary realism, dystopian fiction, fantasy, and

science fiction, have started to incorporate mental health issues as part of the coming-of-age

narrative of young adults. This trend has allowed for a wide range of perspectives to be portrayed,

including those related to mental illness, showcasing the continued normalisation of mental illness

in society.

One of the defining trends in portrayals of mental illness in young adult literature is the shift

towards an exploration of mental illness as an element of identity rather than being the defining

feature of a character. This shift allows the character's mental health to be a part of their identity

without being all-consuming.

Another trend is the normalisation of medication, therapy, and other forms of mental health

treatment. Characters seeking treatment often de-stigmatize therapy, encouraging readers to see it as

a healthy way to cope with mental health issues. A good example is the "Fangirl" by Rainbow

Rowell, where the protagonist Cath struggles with anxiety. In the book, she takes medication as

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prescribed by her therapist, who is portrayed as a supportive figure who helps Cath cope with her

anxiety. (““Fangirl” Doesn't Take Mental Illness Too Seriously: Here's Why That's A Good Thing.”)

Mental illness in young adult literature is also portrayed through the narrative of secondary

characters - friends, family members, and love interests - shows how mental health affects those

around the person with the illness. For example, the novel "The Silver Linings Playbook" by

Matthew Quick, where the protagonist, Pat, has bipolar disorder, and his family shows how his

family is also affected by his condition. This approach highlights the impact of mental illness on

love, family, and friendship. (Moat)

The contemporary young adult literature features a range of nuanced and diverse portrayals of

mental illness. The themes and trends in this genre continually evolve, and the narratives that focus

on mental illness continue to incorporate new perspectives and methods of representation. With its

continued push to normalise mental illness, contemporary young adult literature is an ideal platform

for increasing awareness and understanding of mental health issues and helping young adults

develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Young adult literature has a significant impact on readers, particularly adolescents, in several ways.

Contemporary young adult literature deals with a range of themes such as identity, mental health

issues, social justice, and personal growth, among others. According to a study by the American

Library Association, young adult literature helps teenagers deal with the stresses and challenges of

adolescence, preparing them for the realities of adulthood. Below are some of the ways

contemporary young adult literature impacts its readers. (Elmore)

Firstly, contemporary young adult literature offers a safe space for readers to explore their own

identities, emotions and experiences. According to a research study titled "The Value of Young

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Adult Literature in Secondary School Education," young adult literature helps teenagers "see and

explore "themselves and others in ways that support their identity development and the

development of a positive attitude toward others." By reading books with characters and situations

that they can relate to, young adults find comfort and guidance in understanding their own emotions

and experiences. (Toscano and Maples)

Secondly, it discusses the positive impact of contemporary young adult literature on teenagers. The

literature addresses real-world issues such as racism, mental health, sexuality, and social inequality,

providing teenagers with an understanding of these issues and equipping them with language to

engage in discussions. The books empower teenagers to become agents of change and take action

on behalf of social justice causes. The article gives examples of books such as "The Hate U Give",

"The Poet X", and "All American Boys", which have had an impact on young adults by shaping their

perspectives and inspiring them to take action.

Thirdly, contemporary young adult literature provides a sense of representation for marginalised

voices (Beyer). Young adult literature is increasingly becoming diverse and inclusive, representing

voices that have been silenced or under-represented in the past. By doing so, it promotes empathy,

understanding and acceptance for individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities. For

example, the novel "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez, explores the

life of a young Mexican girl juggling between traditional Mexican values and expectations as she

comes of age in the US. The book offers representation for young Mexican girls and, in a broader

sense, for Latinx populations. Young adult literature has a far-reaching impact on young adults,

providing insight into real-world issues, supporting identity development and promoting empathy.

Contemporary young adult literature often engages readers in themes relevant to their lives; it

creates space for personal development, self-exploration and expands readers' perspectives.

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The report states that, "Young adult literature provides adolescents with models of how to read

critically, think deeply, and respond personally to literature, promoting the development of lifelong

literacy skills." Furthermore, it found that reading young adult literature "encourages adolescents'

interest in reading and can increase the amount and difficulty of texts adolescents read." (Fink)

Furthermore, contemporary young adult literature addresses mental health issues that are prevalent

among adolescents. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that one in five

adolescents live with a mental health disorder, making young adult literature an essential tool for

promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma (Jurewicz). Books like "Dear Evan

Hansen" by Val Emmich, which deals with anxiety and depression, and "Challenger Deep" by Neal

Shusterman, which portrays the experience of living with schizophrenia, provide young adults with

the vocabulary to talk about mental health, promoting mental health literacy and reducing stigma.

In conclusion, the impact of young adult literature on adolescent readers is evident in the many

ways it promotes literacy, supports multicultural education, encourages empathy, fosters critical

thinking, and addresses mental health issues. Young adult literature is a powerful tool that provides

adolescents with the resources and understanding to navigate the complexities of adolescence,

promoting personal growth, and empowering young adults to be agents of change.

Benefits and Limitations of Using Young Adult Literature

to Educate and Raise Awareness About Mental Illness

Young adult literature can be used to educate and raise awareness about mental illness, providing

solace and approval for teenagers who experience emotional well-being issues. It can also provide a

space to see their concerns reflected in fictitious people. Despite the benefits of using young adult

literature to educate and raise awareness about mental illness, there are also some limitations. One

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of the limitations is that fictional portrayals of mental illness can sometimes be inaccurate or

stereotypical. Additionally, some critics argue that young adult literature can sometimes stigmatise

mental illness by portraying it as a source of tragedy or weakness.

Overall, contemporary young adult literature that portrays mental illness has the potential to be a

powerful tool for educating and raising awareness about mental health issues. These books provide

a platform for discussing complex mental health issues, reduce stigma, and provide a source of

comfort for adolescents. For example, the book "The Silver Linings Playbook" by Matthew Quick,

which was adapted into a film with the same name, depicts the protagonist's journey towards

recovery from bipolar disorder, including his experiences with treatment and familial support. The

book has been praised for its accurate portrayal of bipolar disorder and its ability to reduce stigma

towards those who experience mental health issues.

However, there are also some criticisms of using young adult literature to educate and raise

awareness about mental illness. A review by Moran et al. (2018) notes that young adult literature

can sometimes perpetuate harmful stereotypes or romanticise mental illness. Additionally, some

individuals may find it difficult to differentiate between realistic depictions of mental illness and

fictional portrayals.

Therefore, it is important to approach the use of young adult literature to educate and raise

awareness about mental illness with caution. Overall, the portrayal of mental illness in

contemporary young adult literature has become an important tool for educating and raising

awareness of mental health issues among adolescents. While there are both benefits and limitations

to using young adult literature to approach this complex topic, the potential benefits of reducing

stigma, increasing understanding and empathy, and facilitating important discussions suggest that

this is an area that warrants further exploration.

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 Theoretical Frameworks Relevant to Portrayal of Mental

Illness in Contemporary

Contemporary young adult literature is shaped by several theories relevant to portraying mental

illness. One of these theories is the social constructionist theory, which highlights how social and

cultural factors influence individuals' perception and experiences of mental illness. This theory

regards mental illness as a product of subjective social and cultural interpretations, rather than an

inherent objective reality. . In the context of mental health, the portrayal of mental illness in

contemporary young adult literature can serve as a model for how individuals should engage with

and support those who experience mental health issues. For example, in the graphic novel

"Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me" by Ellen Forney, the author depicts her

personal journey with bipolar disorder. The novel provides insights into how individuals with

mental health issues experience the world and how others can support them. Through Forney's

personal experience, readers can better understand the challenges of bipolar disorder and the

importance of empathetic support.

Another relevant theory is the narrative theory, which emphasises the importance of storytelling

and the construction of narratives in shaping individuals' understanding of themselves and others.

According to this theory, individuals make sense of their experiences through the stories they tell

(Bruner). In the context of mental illness, narratives can help individuals understand the complex

experiences of those who experience mental health issues. For instance, in the novel "The Perks of

Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky, the protagonist, Charlie, grapples with depression and

PTSD. Through Charlie's perspective, Chbosky portrays the complexity of mental health issues and

the importance of seeking help. The novel's narrative encourages readers to approach mental health

issues with empathy and understanding.

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Contemporary young adult literature provides readers with stories that can shape their

understanding and experiences of mental health issues, promote empathy and understanding, and

provide insights into how to support individuals with mental health issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this literature review has demonstrated the significant role that contemporary young

adult literature plays in portraying mental illness and shaping readers' understanding and attitudes

towards mental health issues. The review highlights the importance of authors using literature as a

tool to promote empathy, understanding, and support for individuals experiencing mental health

issues. The review explored different articles from various researchers and scholars that focused on

the portrayal of mental health in contemporary YA literature. The social constructionist theory and

the narrative theory provided a useful framework for understanding how readers can be influenced

by the way mental illness is depicted in literature.

Furthermore, literature can be a means of reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. In a

study by Reid and colleagues (2019), participants who read young adult novels that portrayed

mental illness in a positive light reported reduced levels of stigma towards individuals with mental

health issues. By portraying mental illness in a non-stigmatizing way, literature can raise awareness

and encourage open conversations about mental health.

Overall, this literature review underscores the vital role that contemporary young adult literature can

play in shaping readers' understanding and attitudes towards mental health issues. The review

suggests that authors, publishers, and educators can use literature as a tool for promoting mental

health awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering a more inclusive society for all. As such, it is

crucial for authors to continue portraying realistic and multidimensional characters that experience

mental health issues and for educators to promote this literature among young readers.

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