Soap operas often cover controversial storylines that generate complaints but also raise awareness of sensitive issues. The EastEnders baby swap storyline received over 1,000 complaints for being distressing and inaccurately portrayed, though regulators said there was sufficient context. Similarly, Hollyoaks' coverage of mental health issues was initially criticized but later praised and honored for addressing such topics and helping viewers. While some feel certain stories are too sensitive, others argue soaps can do good by depicting realities and helping those who relate to the issues portrayed.

1. Are there some stories that are just too sensitive for soap operas to cover? Kate Vernon (Project manager) Jessica Stevens (Researcher) Sean Grossett (Content Creator) Leila Siassipour (Presentation and dissemination)

3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m86d http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1375712/EastEnders-controversial-baby-swap-storyline-finally-comes-end-Ronnie-jailed-crime.html

8. Hierarchy of needs http://slamscreen.com/2011/09/23/5-ingredients-of-a-truly-great-film/

13. Coronation street http://slucks.com/?p=79

15. Initially panned by television critics and was subject to adverse press attention BUT was more popular with teenage audiences Aired in 1990’s Are sensitive stories subject to the soap opera they are aired on? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollyoaks

16. Do some storylines do more good than bad? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollyoaks http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a136792/hollyoaks-honoured-with-mental-health-award.html http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/spoilers/a190256/2721-kathleen-arrives-in-the-village.html http://www.youtube.com/user/bekbek93/videos

18. Desensitising http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/3353504/Black-and-white-TV-generation-have-monochrome-dreams.html http://thehiberniatimes.com/2011/06/14/watching-tv-increases-heart-diabetes-and-death-risk-says-study/1761

19. Conclusion YES! Some are too sensitive Does raise awareness for such controversial issues http://www.eatingdisordersadvice.co.uk/2011/09/16/personality-factors-that-might-put-a-young-person-at-risk-of-developing-an-eating-disorder/