Framing and reframing the common picture of dementia

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Table of contents
  1. Framing and reframing the common picture of dementia
Keywords
  1. Stigma
  2. Framing and reframing
  3. Sterotypes and discrimination
Framing and reframing the common picture of dementia
Dementia is portrayed in the media in different ways. Depending on the message that wants to be brought.
As an adult educator, you can convey in a simple way what frames and counter frames are. In the context of dementia, you know the different frames and can parse examples.
Framing is a persuasion technique in communication in which images and words are chosen in such a way as to implicitly highlight certain aspects of what is being described. .[1] By using a frame or frame of thought, we influence the way others view reality. With framing you create an association with the message that strengthens it. Framing is widely used in advertising. By highlighting the product in a certain way, one tries to convince people to buy that product. A familiar example is that of a jar of yogurt where one jar states that it contains 20% fat while an identical jar states that it is 80% fat-free. How would this influence your choice?
But also in politics and the media, framing is constantly present.
Counter frames are closely related to frames. By offering a counter frame, you give the event or the way in which something is presented a different meaning. An example may be how we looked at self-isolation during the covid crisis. From a negative view (e.g. I'm stuck at home) this is turned into something positive (e.g. I'm safe at home)
Counter frames are closely related to frames. By offering a counter frame, you give the event or the way in which something is presented a different meaning. An example may be how we looked at self-isolation during the covid crisis. From a negative view (e.g. I'm stuck at home) this is turned into something more positive (e.g. I'm safe at home)
We also use different frames in the context of dementia. These frames can change depending on the message we want to convey.
Professor Van Gorp and Mr. Vercruysse conducted research into the predominant frames about dementia in the media. They also looked for counter frames. These counter frames are more in line with reality and make the person behind the condition visible again..[2]
She distinguished 6 frames with 6 counter frames attached to them.

FramesCounterframes
1A Dualism of body and mind1B Unity of body and mind
2 The invader3The strange travelling companion
4A Faith in science4B Natural process of ageing
5 The fear of death and degeneration6 Carpe diem
7A Reversed roles7B Each in his/her turn
8A No ‘quit pro quo’8B The good mother

An example about The Invader versus The Strange Travelling Companion.
"As an alternative to the threatening personification of dementia, the enemy that must be fought at all costs, there is a view of dementia as 'someone' that one must learn to accept (coping). [...] What is crucial is that the person learns to cope with this external travelling companion, does not experience the companion as a burden and, above all, remains in control of his own life. It is not the companion who determines what happens."[3]
For each of these frames you can find more explanation in the article by Van Gorp/ Vercruysse : Frames and counter-frames giving meaning to dementia.[4]
Watch the following video message and determine together which frame is used.


Do you know of any other examples of the framing and reframing of dementia? Thank you for sharing them with us.


[1] https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Framing#:~:text=Framing of denkraam is een,een mening daarover te propageren.
[2] https://onthoumens.be/sites/default...ter-frames_giving_meaning_to_dementia_ssm.pdf
[3] http://onthoumens.be/beeldvorming-dementie/onderzoek/de-vijandige-indringer-of-de-vreemde-reisgezel
[4] https://onthoumens.be/sites/default...ter-frames_giving_meaning_to_dementia_ssm.pdf
 
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