IPIS001 Does Your Favourite Film Pass the Fanon Test?

How do films and TV shows shape the way we think about mental health? From harmful stereotypes to ethical storytelling, representation on screen has real consequences for stigma, care, and justice. In this episode, Aurora introduces the Fanon Test for Mental Health Representation in Media — a new tool inspired by the Bechdel Test, grounded in intersectional and decolonial psychology, and designed to hold our screens accountable. Tune in to learn why representation is public health, what the five Fanon Scales are, and how your favourite films might measure up. 🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts. Together we can break the silence and change the narrative. 📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 Land acknowledgement 00:00:28 Title credits 00:00:59 Welcome and introduction 00:04:43 Media shapes minds: The power of representation 00:12:48 Introducing the Fanon Test 00:17:46 Breaking down the Fanon Test's five scales 00:25:53 Application of the Fanon Test 00:28:59 Intersectional Scenes 00:32:31 End credits Stay connected to Aurora and Intersectional Psychology 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  📚 References Di Michele, D.; Guizzo, F.; Canale, N.; Fasoli, F.; Carotta, F.; Pollini, A.; Cadinu, M. (2023). #SexyBodyPositive: When Sexualization Does Not Undermine Young Women’s Body Image. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 991. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20020991 Leon, C.M.; Aizpurua, E. (2023). Do Youth Dream of Gender Stereotypes? The Relationship among Gender Stereotyping, Support for Feminism, and Acceptance of Gender-Based Violence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2023, 20, 2439. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032439 Lyons, A.C. (2000). Examining Media Representations: Benefits for Health Psychology. Journal of Health Psychology, 5(3), 349–358. Maier, J. A., Gentile, D. A., Vogel, D. L., & Kaplan, S. A. (2014). Media influences on self-stigma of seeking psychological services: The importance of media portrayals and person perception. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 3(4), 239–256. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034504 Nairn et al. (2006). Media, Racism and Public Health Psychology. Journal of Health Psychology, 1(2006). Papageorgiou, A.; Cross, D.; Fisher, C. (2023). Sexualized Images on Social Media and Adolescent Girls’ Mental Health: Qualitative Insights from Parents, School Support Service Staff and Youth Mental Health Service Providers. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 433. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010433 Sanson, A., Duck, J., Cupit, G., Ungerer, J., Scuderi, C., & Sutton, J. (2000). Media representations and responsibilities: psychological perspectives. Australian Psychological Society Position Paper, 1-68. https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/publications/media-representations-and-responsibilities-psychological-perspect Santoniccolo, F.; Trombetta, T.; Paradiso, M.N.; Rollè, L. (2023). Gender and Media Representations: A Review of the Literature on Gender Stereotypes, Objectification and Sexualization. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2023, 20, 5770. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105770 Simalchik J. (2021). Disrupting legacies of trauma: Interdisciplinary interventions for health and human rights. Health and Human Rights, 23(1), 11–25. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34194198/ See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/