Barbara Walsh, Cathy Hope, Jaelea Skehan







Social responsibility, public relations and pedagogy: Student perceptions using mental illness as a case study

This analysis identifies student perceptions of the relationship between public relations and social responsibility in their first year of study. The issue of mental illness was used as a case study through which the students could explore their understanding of their future role in public discourse on complex social issues as well as their attitudes towards mental illness. The study was undertaken by communication academics at the University of Canberra (UC) in conjunction with project staff at the Hunter Institute of Mental Health (HIMH) working on the Mindframe National Media Initiative. The research provides public relations educators with a point from which to develop a more effective and integrated whole-of-curriculum approach to social responsibility.

Keywords: social responsibility, public relations, higher education, mental health


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Note on the contributor

Barbara Walsh is a lecturer in public relations and work integrated learning at the University of Canberra. She is currently undertaking a PhD in public sector communication; her other research interests include social responsibility in public relations and organisational communication. Contact details: Barbara.walsh@canberra.edu.au.

Dr Cathy Hope is a lecturer in communication and public relations at the University of Canberra. Her research interests include the role that the non-profit sector plays in cultural life. Cathy has a long standing interest in producing more resilient and work-ready graduates. Contact details: Cathy.hope@canberra.edu.au.

Jaelea Skehan is the Director of the Hunter Institute of Mental Health and Conjoint Fellow with the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle. She is known for her expertise in media reporting and portrayal of suicide and mental illness, leading the Mindframe National Media Initiative for over ten years. Contact details: Jaelea.Skehan@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au.