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Chu M, Li H, Lin S, Cai X, Li X, Chen SH, Zhang X, Man Q, Lee CY, Chiang YC. Appropriate Strategies for Reducing the Negative Impact of Online Reports of Suicide and Public Opinion From Social Media in China. Front Public Health 2021; 9:756360. [PMID: 34926380 PMCID: PMC8678273 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.756360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide events may have a negative impact on all of society. The media plays a significant role in suicide prevention. Therefore, the aims of this study are (a) to understand the association between characteristics of suicide events and characteristics of who committed suicide, and event impact indexes (EIIs) of suicide reported on the internet; (b) to analyze violation of recommendations for reporting suicide by Weibo, and (c) to investigate the effect of online reports of suicide on public opinion. We carried out a content analysis of online reports of suicide. This study analyzed 113 suicide events, 300 news reports of suicide, and 2,654 Weibo comments about suicide collected from the WeiboReach between 2015 and 2020. We used a t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to explore the potential factors associated with the EIIs of suicide events. The results found that (a) The suicide events reported on the internet during COVID-19 and those related to celebrities and students tend to have higher EIIs; (b) suicide reports on Weibo frequently violated WHO recommendations for suicide reporting in the media; and (c) public opinion of suicide reporting in the online media was mostly emotional and irrational, which is not beneficial for public mental health and suicide prevention. In conclusion, first, the situation of many people working from home or studying from home and spreading more time online during COVID-19 may lead to suicide events obtain more public attention. Online media could further improve public responsible reporting and daily media-content surveillance, especially taking particular care in those suicide events during COVID-19, and related to celebrities and students, which may have a higher event impact on the internet. Second, health managers should regular assessment of observance of the WHO recommendations for suicide reporting by online social media to prevent suicide. Third, health communication managers should use big data to identify, assess, and manage harmful information about suicide; and track anyone affected by suicide-related reports on social media to reduce the negative impact of public opinion to intervene suicide in the early stage of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongye Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shengnan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinlan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shih-Han Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingli Man
- Department of Technical Cooperation, Zhiwei Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Yang Lee
- School of International Business, Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Chen Chiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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McKenzie SK, Jenkin G, Steers D, Magill R, Collings S. Young People's Perspectives and Understanding of the Suicide Story in 13 Reasons Why. CRISIS 2020; 42:64-70. [PMID: 32366169 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why (13RW) focusing on the suicide of an adolescent girl became a global phenomenon. It was accompanied by intense public debate about the risks of exposing youth to fictional portrayals of adolescent suicide. Aims: To explore adolescents' subjective perspectives and understanding of 13RW focusing on the portrayal of adolescent suicide. Method: We applied a thematic analysis to qualitative data from interviews with 25 New Zealand adolescents eliciting views on the show's portrayal of adolescent suicide. Results: Four themes were developed from the analysis: entertaining but not realistic; the unexpected shock factor; jumbled messages; and superficial conversations. Conclusion: This study contributes a youth perspective which has been missing from the debate on 13RW. This research highlights the way that youth, when given the opportunity, articulated a nuanced understanding of the representation of adolescent suicide in 13RW, viewing it as entertainment rather than a realistic depiction that added little in terms of suicide awareness and generated minimal opportunities for in-depth discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K McKenzie
- Suicide and Mental Health Research Group, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gabrielle Jenkin
- Suicide and Mental Health Research Group, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Denise Steers
- Suicide and Mental Health Research Group, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rowan Magill
- Suicide and Mental Health Research Group, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sunny Collings
- Suicide and Mental Health Research Group, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand
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Mueller AS. Why Thirteen Reasons Why may elicit suicidal ideation in some viewers, but help others. Soc Sci Med 2019; 232:499-501. [PMID: 31043236 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
When the popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why (13RW) debuted, scholars were quick to raise concerns that the show may encourage suicide as an option, particularly for vulnerable audience members; nonetheless, others pushed back, noting that the evidence used to draw a link between exposure to media and actual suicide risk suffers from methodological weaknesses and that censoring mental health topics may do more harm than good. The problem highlighted by the debate is that researchers generally lack the kinds of studies that would truly help us understand if a show like 13RW is problematic, and if it is, which specific storylines carry risk. Indeed, this general lack of the empirical evidence is precisely why the study by Arendt and his colleagues (2019) in this issue makes such an important contribution to the literature. With this commentary, I (1) review what we know and what we don't about the media, 13RW, and suicide, (2) discuss Arendt et al.'s unique insights, and (3) outline an agenda for future research that will allow us to better answer how, when, and for whom exposure to media stories like 13RW harms - or helps - youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Mueller
- Department of Sociology and Comparative Human Development, University of Chicago, 1126 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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Fahey RA, Matsubayashi T, Ueda M. Tracking the Werther Effect on social media: Emotional responses to prominent suicide deaths on twitter and subsequent increases in suicide. Soc Sci Med 2018; 219:19-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Myung W, Won HH, Fava M, Mischoulon D, Yeung A, Lee D, Kim DK, Jeon HJ. Celebrity suicides and their differential influence on suicides in the general population: a national population-based study in Korea. Psychiatry Investig 2015; 12:204-11. [PMID: 25866521 PMCID: PMC4390591 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2015.12.2.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although evidence suggests that there is an increase in suicide rates in the general population following celebrity suicide, the rates are heterogeneous across celebrities and countries. It is unclear which is the more vulnerable population according to the effect sizes of celebrity suicides to general population. METHODS All suicide victims in the general population verified by the Korea National Statistical Office and suicides of celebrity in South Korea were included for 7 years from 2005 to 2011. Effect sizes were estimated by comparing rates of suicide in the population one month before and after each celebrity suicide. The associations between suicide victims and celebrities were examined. RESULTS Among 94,845 suicide victims, 17,209 completed suicide within one month after 13 celebrity suicides. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that suicide victims who died after celebrity suicide were significantly likely to be of age 20-39, female, and to die by hanging. These qualities were more strongly associated among those who followed celebrity suicide with intermediate and high effect sizes than lower. Younger suicide victims were significantly associated with higher effect size, female gender, white collar employment, unmarried status, higher education, death by hanging, and night-time death. Characteristics of celebrities were significantly associated with those of general population in hanging method and gender. CONCLUSION Individuals who commit suicide after a celebrity suicide are likely to be younger, female, and prefer hanging as method of suicide, which are more strongly associated in higher effect sizes of celebrity suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woojae Myung
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Hee Won
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Albert Yeung
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dongsoo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doh Kwan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation and Department of Medical Device Management and Research, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Cheng Q, Fu KW, Caine E, Yip PSF. Why do we report suicides and how can we facilitate suicide prevention efforts? Perspectives of Hong Kong media professionals. CRISIS 2014; 35:74-81. [PMID: 24322824 PMCID: PMC4150930 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hong Kong news media report suicide-related events more frequently and sensationally than Western countries. Little is known about Hong Kong media professionals' experiences and thoughts about such reporting. AIMS To understand Hong Kong media professionals' experiences and perceptions of suicide reporting and whether the news media can be better engaged into suicide prevention. METHOD We conducted three focus groups of journalists from both the Cantonese and English language news media. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods. RESULTS We discerned three rationales from participants regarding their intense coverage of suicide-related events: (1) satisfying commercial competitiveness, (2) addressing social problems, and (3) responding to readers' interests. The first rationale was a dominant and vigorous motivating factor, and often influenced suicide reporting among local Cantonese media. Media professionals recommended engagement strategies targeted at frontline journalists, media managers, and general media consumers. CONCLUSION We see potential to involve news media professionals in Hong Kong as working partners in suicide prevention. To succeed, this effort requires engagement in a proactive, consistent, and sustained fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijin Cheng
- HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - King-wa Fu
- Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric Caine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Paul S F Yip
- HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Gibt es Hinweise auf einen „Enke-Effekt“? Die Presseberichterstattung über den Suizid von Robert Enke und die Entwicklung der Suizidzahlen in Deutschland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11616-013-0172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Sisask M, Mark L, Värnik A. Internet comments elicited by media portrayal of a familicide-suicide case. CRISIS 2012; 33:222-9. [PMID: 22450037 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Events of extraordinary violence attract media attention. Recently, much media reporting has moved to the Internet, giving readers the possibility to comment online. AIMS To analyze the content of public cognitions and the emotional tonality of attitudes expressed in spontaneous Internet comments on a familicide-suicide case reported in the Estonian media. METHODS A content analysis is based on the comments of 6,333 readers following media coverage. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis. RESULTS Of all comments, 27.6% were without manifest content. Manifest content categories were "value judgments" (35.2%), "risk and protective factors" (27.2%), and "critics of media portrayal" (10.0%). As to emotional tonality, the comments were most often angry (34.5%), ironic (24.7%), or neutral (23.3%). "Critics of media portrayal" had the most clearly pronounced emotional tonality, the majority being angry or approving. Comments about "value judgments" were most frequently anguished. CONCLUSIONS An analysis of Internet comments can provide valuable information about value judgments and attitudes in society. From an ethical and preventive perspective, similar homicide and suicide stories should not be open for unmoderated public discussion. Nevertheless, the study represents an original methodological approach for such research and also provides some guidance for public relations campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merike Sisask
- Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute (ERSI), Estonian Center of Behavioral & Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia.
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Cheung YTD, Spittal MJ, Pirkis J, Yip PSF. Spatial analysis of suicide mortality in Australia: investigation of metropolitan-rural-remote differentials of suicide risk across states/territories. Soc Sci Med 2012; 75:1460-8. [PMID: 22771036 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Studies of suicide epidemiology in regions of Australia have been conducted, but the spatial pattern in the whole country has not been fully investigated. This study aimed at visualizing the sex-specific suicide pattern over the country from 2004 to 2008, and studying the metropolitan-rural-remote differentials of suicide across all states/territories. We applied a Poisson hierarchical model to yield smoothed sex specific, age standardized mortality ratios of suicide in all postal areas, and compiled the age-standardized suicide rates across different levels of remoteness and different jurisdictions. We identified the area variation of suicide risk across states/territories, and metropolitan-rural-remote differential with rates higher in rural and remote areas for males. Spatial clusters of some high risk postal areas were also identified. Socio-economic deprivation, compositional factors, high risks for Indigenous people and low access to mental health service are the underlying explanations of the elevation of suicide risk in some areas. These findings suggest that it is important to take geographical variations in suicide risk into account in national policy making. Particular suicide prevention interventions might be targeted at males living in remote areas, and some localized areas in metropolitan zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Tak Derek Cheung
- Centre for Health Policy, Programs and Economics, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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10
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Cheng Q, Chen F, Yip PSF. The Foxconn suicides and their media prominence: is the Werther Effect applicable in China? BMC Public Health 2011; 11:841. [PMID: 22044598 PMCID: PMC3233608 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Media reporting of suicide and its relationship with actual suicide has rarely been investigated in Mainland China. The "Foxconn suicides" is a description referring to a string of suicides/attempts during 2010, all of which were related to a giant electrical manufacturing company, Foxconn. This study aimed to examine the clustering and copycat effects of the Foxconn suicides, and to investigate temporal patterns in how they were reported by the media in Mainland China, Hong Kong (HK), and Taiwan (TW). Methods Relevant articles were collected from representative newspapers published in three big cities in Mainland China (Beijing (BJ), Shenzhen (SZ), and Guangzhou (GZ)), HK, and TW, together with searching intensity data on the topic conducted using the Baidu search engine in Mainland China. The temporal clustering effects of the Foxconn suicides and their media prominence were assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The media reports of the Foxconn suicides' temporal patterns were explored using a nonparametric curve estimation method (that is, the local linear method). The potential mutual interactions between the Foxconn suicides and their media prominence were also examined, using logistic and Poisson regression methods. Results The results support a temporal clustering effect for the Foxconn suicides. The BJ-based newspapers' reporting and the occurrence of a Foxconn suicide/attempt are each found to be associated with an elevated chance of a further Foxconn suicide 3 days later. The occurrence of a Foxconn suicide also immediately influenced the intensity of both Baidu searching and newspaper reporting. Regional diversity in suicide reporting tempo-patterns within Mainland China, and similarities between HK and TW, are also demonstrated. Conclusions The Foxconn suicides were temporally clustered. Their occurrences were influenced by the reporting of BJ-based newspapers, and contagion within the company itself. Further suicide research and prevention work in China should consider its special media environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijin Cheng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, 13th Floor, KK Leung Building, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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12
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Abstract
Abstract. Internationally, media guidelines on the reporting of suicide suggest that the method of suicide should not be explicitly reported. This paper presents quantitative data on the reporting of suicide in Australia, which suggest that the media present a skewed image of reality with an over-reporting of suicide by violent and unusual methods. It also presents qualitative textual analyses of examples of newspaper reports of suicide in an attempt to examine differences in reporting practices across media and genres and to explore the limits of the notion of “explicitness.” The paper concludes that journalistic decisions to maximize the newsworthiness of a story often conflict with the promotion of the accurate, ethical, and responsible reporting of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Warwick Blood
- School of Professional Communication, University of Canberra, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kate Holland
- School of Professional Communication, University of Canberra, Australia
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Pirkis J, Blood RW, Beautrais A, Burgess P, Skehans J. Media Guidelines on the Reporting of Suicide. CRISIS 2006; 27:82-7. [PMID: 16913330 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910.27.2.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence for the existence of the Werther effect, or the phenomenon of an observer copying suicidal behavior he or she has seen modelled in the media. As a consequence, a number of countries have developed guidelines that promote responsible reporting of suicide. Using nine such guidelines as examples, this paper demonstrates that they tend to have similar content (emphasizing, for example, that suicide should not be glamorized or sensationalized and that explicit descriptions should be avoided, and stressing the importance of providing information about help services), but differ in the way in which they have been developed (e.g., the extent to which media professionals have been involved) and implemented (e.g., whether their “roll-out” has involved a considered dissemination strategy). The paper also reviews the evidence from evaluations of media guidelines, and concludes that it is too limited to determine whether the guidelines have had an impact on the behavior of media professionals or on completed and attempted suicide rates. It makes recommendations for further evaluative work, and suggests that the lessons from well-designed evaluations should be shared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Pirkis
- Program Evaluation Unit, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Boris NW, Ou AC, Singh R. Preventing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder After Mass Exposure to Violence. Biosecur Bioterror 2005; 3:154-63; discussion 164-5. [PMID: 16000047 DOI: 10.1089/bsp.2005.3.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Bioterrorism preparedness plans must take into account the psychosocial consequences of exposure to mass violence. If possible, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is associated with significant morbidity and cost, should be prevented. There are, however, no effective interventions that have been scaled up to prevent PTSD following mass exposure to violence. In fact, randomized controlled trials of the most commonly used preventive intervention, psychological debriefing, suggest no efficacy, or even potential harm. Fortunately, randomized controlled trials of cognitive behavioral therapy--that is, targeting individuals who are symptomatic in the weeks after trauma--reveal significant efficacy. Given the potential for repeated mass violence exposure, public health professionals need to refine methods for screening and tracking large numbers of casualties. At the same time, the use of telephone and internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy protocols should be further tested as strategies for bringing the only effective early intervention for PTSD to scale. Research on preventive pharmacotherapy for PTSD and on the effects of media exposure on PTSD severity is also a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil W Boris
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Sisask M, Värnik A, Wasserman D. Internet comments on media reporting of two adolescents' collective suicide attempt. Arch Suicide Res 2005; 9:87-98. [PMID: 16040583 DOI: 10.1080/13811110590512985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The presented study covered the analysis of 7 Internet media portrayals and 188 readers' spontaneous Internet comments about a case of two adolescents who survived a serious suicide attempt. Articles with photographs attracted the most responses (82%), irrespective of the length and content of the articles. More than half of the comments expressed readers' negative attitude (ironic 31% and angry 28%) while 21% of them remained neutral or indifferent. Twenty one percent of readers tried to initiate a serious discussion about the causes and prevention of suicide. An association was found between the style of media reporting and the number of readers' comments as well as certain aspects of the content of the comments. Inadequate reporting of suicidal behavior is associated with comments expressing oversimplified attitudes towards suicide. The influence of suicide reporting on the Internet on attitude formation in the general population should not be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merike Sisask
- Estonian-Swedish Suicidology Institute at the Estonian Center of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia.
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Etzersdorfer E, Voracek M, Sonneck G. A dose-response relationship between imitational suicides and newspaper distribution. Arch Suicide Res 2004; 8:137-45. [PMID: 16006399 DOI: 10.1080/13811110490270985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Although the Werther effect is well known, up to now a correlation between the differential distribution of particular media reports and subsequent imitational suicides could not be found. This study investigates a celebrity suicide by gun in Austria, which led to extensive reports in the largest Austrian newspaper, whose distribution shows substantial regional differences. The numbers of suicides by firearm in the 3 weeks after the reporting showed an increase over the 3 weeks prior. Regional analysis revealed a strong correlation of suicides by firearm and distribution of the newspaper (log odds ratios; r(9) = .62; p = .04, one-tailed). This dose-response effect explains 40% of the variability of changes. These results underline the influence of media reports on suicidal behavior.
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Abstract
1. Data show suicidal behavior often is precipitated by individuals' experience of loss by suicide. This article focuses on three potential links between the two phenomena (i.e., grief experienced by suicide survivors and familial risk factors for suicide; suicide clusters and pacts; consequences of mass media portrayals of suicide). 2. Suicide bereavement has certain typical characteristics that comprise the "suicide survivor syndrome" and may be linked with increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. 3. Individuals' suicidal behavior and ideation can lead to suicide clusters (i.e., a group of suicides or attempts occurring close together in time and space) and pacts (i.e., mutual agreements between two people who promise to kill themselves at the same time, often in the same place). 4. Mass media portrayals of suicide may lead to imitative suicides (i.e., the "Werther effect").
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina E Krysinska
- Department of Psychology, A Mickiewicz University, Ul. Szamarzewskiego 89, 60-568 Poznan, Poland.
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Abstract
Numerous studies have considered the association between media reporting and portrayal of suicide and actual suicidal behavior or ideation. This review considered 42 studies that have examined the nonfiction media (newspapers, television, and books). Consideration was given to the extent to which inferences could be made about the relationship between portrayal of suicide in the given media and actual suicidal behavior in terms of: the strength of its association; and the extent to which it could be considered causal. The review demonstrated that there is an association between nonfictional media portrayal of suicide and actual suicide. The association satisfies sufficient of the criteria of consistency, strength, temporality, specificity and coherence for it to be deemed causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pirkis
- University of Melbourne, Australia
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Hawton K, Williams K. The connection between media and suicidal behavior warrants serious attention. CRISIS 2002. [PMID: 11848654 DOI: 10.1027//0227-5910.22.4.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
Summary: The association between the portrayal of suicide in fictional media and actual suicide has been debated since 1774, when it was asserted that Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther had led people to take their own lives. Since that time, a plethora of studies considering the association has been conducted. This review considered 34 studies examining the impact of fictional portrayal of suicide (in film and television, music, and plays) on actual suicidal behavior. It asked the question: “Is there any association, and if so, can it be considered causal?” Using strict criteria to establish causality, we found that the evidence was more equivocal than was the case for nonfictional reporting.
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