Top Netflix titles present skewed version of adolescent pain, U of C research team finds
A new paper authored by University of Calgary Department of Psychology researchers found top Netflix shows watched by adolescents largely dismissed common sources of pain.
The research reviewed 10 movies and the first season of six shows from the trending and popular sections of the streaming giant, including
Spider- Man: Homecoming, Riverdale and Stranger Things."So then we had teens come in and endorse whether or not they'd seen that media before just so we could get a snapshot of what they'd seen," said Allison Cormier, the first author of the paper.
"They're not being shown in media, we're not being shown these narratives of what they're experiencing.”
The paper found that pain was overrepresented in Caucasian boys, while racialized youth were more likely to suffer violence.
Observers in the stories had more empathy and willingness to help boys than they were girls.
Chronic pain or pain from medical procedures or menstruation, for example, were largely absent according to the researchers.
"They're seeing a lot of violence, not a lot of empathy and characters just sort of brushing their pain aside," said Dr. Melanie Noel, a registered psychologist and professor of psychology at U of C.
She is also one of the authors of the paper.
"Sometimes these stories matter more than what they see in the real world, but they're learning what to expect," Noel says.
Researchers expressed concern that the depictions of pain and other’s reactions contribute to under-reporting of health concerns, as well as reduced support from peers in the real world.
The authors say one in five adolescents suffer some form of chronic pain, and they hope better depictions of both the source of pain and other's reactions will improve medical outcomes and quality of life.
The paper was published in the peer-reviewed journal Pain on March 27.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
opinion Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: Traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.
'Terrifying': Manitoba resident speaks on wildfire and evacuation
As a pair of wildfires burn near Flin Flon and The Pas, a number of Manitobans are being told to evacuate their homes.
Ontario's need for nurses, PSWs to top 33K and 50K by 2032: document
Ontario will need 33,200 more nurses and 50,853 more personal support workers by 2032, the government projects — figures it tried to keep secret but were obtained by The Canadian Press.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
No concert ticket? No problem — Swifties can still gather at 'Taylgate' in Toronto
Whether you were lucky to nab tickets to one of Taylor Swift's six sold-out Toronto concerts in November or not, a new 'fan experience' hopes to get you into the party spirit.