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Law PCF, Too LS, Spittal MJ, Pirkis J, Clapperton AJ. Road vehicle collision suicide in Australia: Trends, collision types, and individual characteristics. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299590. [PMID: 38687768 PMCID: PMC11060530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide by road vehicle collision in Australia is under-explored with mixed findings. We aimed to address this research gap by examining time trends, different types of vehicle collision, and individual characteristics related to vehicle-collision suicide. METHOD We retrospectively analyzed deaths by suicide between 1st January 2001 and 31st December 2017 in Australia, using coronial records from the National Coronial Information System. The travel mode used and collision counterpart were retrieved from records of death by vehicle-collision suicide using all available information. We conducted negative binomial regression analysis to examine annual changes in suicide rate by vehicle collision on a public road (N = 640) and other methods of suicide (N = 41,890), and logistic regression analysis to examine individual characteristics associated with the likelihood of dying by suicide via road vehicle collision. RESULTS Overall, the national suicide rate involving road vehicle collision significantly increased, while the rate by other methods significantly decreased. Drivers accounted for 61% of suicide events by vehicle collision, of which 72% were single-vehicle collisions (commonly involving a tree). For multiple-vehicle collision suicide events, 82% involved collision with a truck. Pedestrians accounted for more than one-third of suicide events, of which 58% involved collision with a truck and 23% involved collision with a car/van. Individuals who were male (odds ratio 1.15; 95% CI 0.88-1.50), aged <25 years old (odds ratio 5.27; 95% CI 3.05-9.10), non-Indigenous (odds ratio 3.36; 95% CI 1.71-6.62), and born overseas (odds ratio 1.40; 95% CI 1.10-1.79) were more likely to die by vehicle-collision suicide than by other methods of suicide. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a better understanding of road vehicle collision suicide in Australia and informs future research directions on topic. Our findings can be used to inform suicide prevention initiatives to reduce vehicle-collision suicide deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip C. F. Law
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lay San Too
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew J. Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela J. Clapperton
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Kirchner S, Till B, Laido Z, Niederkrotenthaler T. Suicide-Related Media Reporting With a Focus on Sexual and Gender Minority Identities. CRISIS 2024. [PMID: 38597230 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Background: Little is known about the quality of media reports on suicide and prevention targeting persons with sexual or gender minority identities (LGBTQ+). Aims: To assess the quality of suicide-related media reporting of LGBTQ+ people and its consistency with media guidelines. Method: We conducted a content analysis of 5,652 media items in two US states (Washington and Oregon) published within 1 year. Results: There were only few differences in the reporting about suicide in LGBTQ+ as compared to non-LGBTQ+ reports. LGBTQ+ media items more often portrayed suicide as monocausal [Oregon: OR = 1.75, 95% CI (1.03-2.98), p = .038; Washington: OR = 3.00, 95% CI (1.81-4.97), p < .001] and linked them to adverse life experiences [OR = 2.16, 95% CI (1.38-3.38), p < .001; OR = 2.09, 95% CI (1.30-3.38), p = .002] than non-LGBTQ+ items. They also more often featured mental health experts [OR = 1.79, 95% CI (1.04-3.10), p = .034; OR = 2.12, 95% CI (1.23-3.67), p = .006] and contacts to support services [OR = 2.22, 95% CI (1.41-3.48), p < .001; OR = 2.70, 95% CI (1.64-4.45), p < .001]. Limitations: Aspects possibly influencing the portrayal of LGBTQ+ suicide and prevention beyond the characteristics listed were not investigated. Conclusion: Suicide-related media reporting related to LGBTQ+ issues features potentially beneficial aspects but tends to overlook multifactorial causes of suicide. Diverse factors contributing to LGBTQ+ suicide and prevention warrant greater attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kirchner
- Public Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Till
- Public Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zrinka Laido
- Public Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Public Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Fowler WC, Koenig HG. Should Physician-Assisted Suicide or Euthanasia be Legalized in the United States? A Medically Informed Perspective. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:1058-1074. [PMID: 37938413 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
There is a pressing debate in the United States concerning the implied physicians' obligation to do no harm and the status of legalizing physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Key issues that underpin the debate are important to consider. These include: (1) foundational medical beginnings; (2) euthanasia's historical and legal background context; and (3) the key arguments held by those for and against legalization of PAS. This paper reviews the major claims made by proponents for the legalization of PAS and the associated complexities and concerns that help underscore the importance of conscience freedoms. Relief of suffering, respect for patient autonomy, and public policy arguments are discussed in these contexts. We argue here that the emphasis by healthcare providers should be on high quality and compassionate care for those at the end of life's journey who are questioning whether to prematurely end their lives. If medicine loses its chief focus on the quality of caring-even when a cure is not possible-it betrays its objective and purpose. In this backdrop, legalization of PAS harms not only healthcare professionals, but also the medical profession's mission itself. Medicine's foundation is grounded in the concept of never intentionally to inflict harm. Inflicting death by any means is not professional or proper, and is not trustworthy medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Craig Fowler
- Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Harold G Koenig
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3400, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China.
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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4
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Clayton MG, Pollak OH, Prinstein MJ. Why Suicide? Suicide Propinquity and Adolescent Risk for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:904-918. [PMID: 37801188 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00456-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Suicide represents an international public health concern, and for adolescents aged 14 to 18 in the United States, is the third leading cause of death (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data. Available at: www.cdc.gov/yrbs . Accessed on August 30, 2023.). In response to this alarming rate, as well as the relative lack of meaningful progress in the prediction and prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) over the past decades (see Franklin et al., 2017), recent reviews of the suicide literature have advocated for the adoption of novel frameworks and theoretical reexamination of the processes that confer risk for suicide. Currently, the majority of suicide theories emphasize distal factors associated with suicide risk, but these factors also generalize to other types of psychopathology and do not answer the fundamental question of "why suicide?" vs. other maladaptive outcomes. In an effort to address this gap and build off existing theoretical and empirical science from various disciplines, the current theoretical paper will explore the concept of suicide propinquity, the degree of closeness and identification with STB, as a potential moderator of the link between psychological distress and suicide. Specifically, this paper: (1) provides context within the existing theories of suicide, highlighting gaps that might otherwise be explained by propinquity; (2) discusses historical and scientific evidence of suicide phenomena that support the existence of propinquity; (3) explores potential processes of how propinquity may confer risk for STB in adolescence; and (4) suggests future directions for research to examine adolescent suicide from a propinquity perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Clayton
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, Campus, Box 3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Olivia H Pollak
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, Campus, Box 3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mitchell J Prinstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, Campus, Box 3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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5
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Robinson J, Thorn P, McKay S, Hemming L, Battersby-Coulter R, Cooper C, Veresova M, Li A, Reavley N, Rice S, Lamblin M, Pirkis J, Reidenberg D, Harrison V, Skehan J, La Sala L. #chatsafe 2.0. updated guidelines to support young people to communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide: A Delphi expert consensus study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289494. [PMID: 37531397 PMCID: PMC10395901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young people use social media to communicate about self-harm and suicide and this is associated with both potential risks and protective effects. The #chatsafe guidelines were originally developed in 2018 to equip young people to communicate safely online about suicide. They were shown to be safe, acceptable, and beneficial; however, they do not provide guidance on self-harm, and social media is constantly evolving. This study aimed to update the #chatsafe guidelines to reflect new evidence and current social media affordances, and to include guidance on self-harm. METHODS A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted, comprising six stages: 1) A systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature; 2) A series of roundtables with key stakeholders including social media companies, policymakers, and young people; 3) Questionnaire development; 4) Expert panel formation; 5) Data collection and analysis; and 6) Guideline development. RESULTS A total of 191 items were included in the new #chatsafe guidelines. These were organised into eight themes, which became the overarching sections of the guidelines: 1) General tips; 2) Creating self-harm and suicide content; 3) Consuming self-harm and suicide content; 4) Livestreams of self-harm and suicide acts; 4) Self-harm and suicide games, pacts, and hoaxes; 6) Self-harm and suicide communities; 7) Bereavement and communicating about someone who has died by suicide; and 8) Guidance for influencers. DISCUSSION The new guidelines include updated and new information on online communication about self-harm, livestreams, games, pacts, and hoaxes, as well as guidance for influencers. They will be disseminated via a national social media campaign and supported by a series of adult-facing resources. Given the acceptability of the original guidelines and the ubiquitous use of social media by young people, it is hoped that the new guidelines will be a useful resource for young people and adults alike, both in Australia and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Robinson
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pinar Thorn
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuel McKay
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura Hemming
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Rikki Battersby-Coulter
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charlie Cooper
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Veresova
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela Li
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicola Reavley
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle Lamblin
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dan Reidenberg
- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, Bloomington, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Vicki Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jaelea Skehan
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise La Sala
- Orygen, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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6
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Hawley LL, Niederkrotenthaler T, Zaheer R, Schaffer A, Redelmeier DA, Levitt AJ, Sareen J, Pirkis J, Sinyor M. Is the narrative the message? The relationship between suicide-related narratives in media reports and subsequent suicides. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2023; 57:758-766. [PMID: 35999688 PMCID: PMC10126449 DOI: 10.1177/00048674221117072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES When journalists report on the details of a suicide, the way that they contextualize the meaning of the event (i.e. the 'narrative') can have significant consequences for readers. The 'Werther' and 'Papageno' narrative effects refer to increases and decreases in suicides across populations following media reports on suicidal acts or mastery of crises, respectively. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of these different narrative constructs on subsequent suicides. METHODS This study examined the change in suicide counts over time in Toronto, Canada. It used latent difference score analysis, examining suicide-related print media reports in the Toronto media market (2011-2014). Articles (N = 6367) were coded as having a potentially harmful narrative if they described suicide in a celebrity or described a suicide death in a non-celebrity and included the suicide method. Articles were coded as having potentially protective narratives if they included at least one element of protective content (e.g. alternatives to suicide) without including any information about suicidal behaviour (i.e. suicide attempts or death). RESULTS Latent difference score longitudinal multigroup analyses identified a dose-response relationship in which the trajectory of suicides following harmful 'Werther' narrative reports increased over time, while protective 'Papageno' narrative reports declined. The latent difference score model demonstrated significant goodness of fit and parameter estimates, with each group demonstrating different trajectories of change in reported suicides over time: (χ2[6], N = 6367) = 13.16; χ2/df = 2.19; Akaike information criterion = 97.16, comparative fit index = 0.96, root mean square error of approximation = 0.03. CONCLUSION Our findings support the notion that the 'narrative' matters when reporting on suicide. Specifically, 'Werther' narratives of suicides in celebrities and suicides in non-celebrities where the methods were described were associated with more subsequent suicides while 'Papageno' narratives of survival and crisis mastery without depictions of suicidal behaviours were associated with fewer subsequent suicides. These results may inform efforts to prevent imitation suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance L Hawley
- Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders
Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health
Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Unit Suicide Research and Mental Health
Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical
University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rabia Zaheer
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health
Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health
Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald A Redelmeier
- Department of Medicine, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook
Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences,
Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony J Levitt
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health
Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jitender Sareen
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and
Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of
Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health
Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kar SK, Menon V, Mukherjee S, Bascarane S, Sharma G, Pattnaik JI, Ransing R, Padhy SK, Agarwal V. Suicide reporting of LGBTQI+ population in India: An analysis of online media reports of the past decade. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:e95-e103. [PMID: 34747474 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imbalanced portrayal of suicide by the media can have adverse public health consequences. We aimed to evaluate the psychosocial context, as well as the quality of media reporting, of suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) population. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate online news reports discussing the suicide of LGBTQI+ persons published between January 2011 and January 2021. Psychosocial factors associated with suicide were extracted from the reports. Quality of suicide reporting was checked against international as well as locally relevant reporting guidelines. RESULTS A total of 135 suicide reports from five newspapers were analyzed. Multiple psychosocial stressors were reported in 54.5% of the suicides. Social stigma was the most common factor associated with LGBTQI+ suicide. Several breaches of reporting were noted in relation to mentioning the identity (55.6%) and method of suicide (54.3%) in the title of report and inclusion of the deceased's photograph (20.4%). Potentially helpful reporting characteristics, such as including educational information (2.2%), mentioning warning signs (12.6%) and suicide support service details (3.7%), were rarely practiced. Local language news articles displayed more frequent and serious violations compared to English news reports. CONCLUSION Indian media reporting of suicide among LGBTQI+ persons is poorly adherent to reporting guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India
| | - Vikas Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India
| | - Srijeeta Mukherjee
- Department of Psychiatry, M.K.C.G. Medical College, Brahmapur, Ganjam, Odisha 760004, India
| | - Sharmi Bascarane
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India
| | - Ginni Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India
| | - Jigyansa Ipsita Pattnaik
- Department of Psychiatry, Kalinga Institute of Medical College (KIMS) KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Ramdas Ransing
- Department of Psychiatry, BKL Walalwalkar Rural Medical College, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415606, India
| | - Susanta Kumar Padhy
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751019, India
| | - Vivek Agarwal
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India
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Mestas M, Arendt F. Celebrity Suicide and Forced Responsible Reporting in the Nineteenth Century: Crown Prince Rudolf and the Absence of a Werther Effect. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:568-574. [PMID: 34353189 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1961972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Crown Prince Rudolf, heir to the Imperial throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, died by suicide in 1889. His death is a prime example of a historical celebrity suicide. Although news coverage about celebrity suicide has been shown to be linked to increases in suicides - a phenomenon known as the Werther effect -, censorship and/or journalists' anticipatory obedience back then may have led to a form of "forced responsible reporting" that may have prevented a Werther effect. A content analysis was conducted, and civil death registers were used to identify suicides before and after Rudolf's suicide. We compared Rudolf's case with another historical celebrity suicide case (Colonel Redl) for which there is already empirical evidence consistent with a Werther effect. As expected, the press heavily reported on Rudolf's death, but did not give undue prominence to suicide and rarely gave details on the method. Importantly, there was no evidence of an increase in suicides. This is in stark contrast to the Redl case in which the press reported irresponsibly. The Rudolf case emphasizes the importance of current media guidelines on responsible reporting. Thus, a high amount of news coverage does not necessarily translate into a Werther effect.
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9
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Leung T, La Sala L, Cooper C, Spittal M, Rice S, Lamblin M, Brown E, Nolan H, Battersby-Coulter R, Rajaram G, Thorn P, Pirkis J, May-Finlay S, Silenzio V, Skehan J, Krysinska K, Bellairs-Walsh I. Testing the Impact of the #chatsafe Intervention on Young People's Ability to Communicate Safely About Suicide on Social Media: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e44300. [PMID: 36800220 PMCID: PMC9984994 DOI: 10.2196/44300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians. One commonly cited explanation is the impact of social media, in particular, the ways in which young people use social media to communicate about their own experiences and their exposure to suicide-related content posted by others. Guidelines designed to assist mainstream media to safely report about suicide are widespread. Until recently, no guidelines existed that targeted social media or young people. In response, we developed the #chatsafe guidelines and a supporting social media campaign, which together make up the #chatsafe intervention. The intervention was tested in a pilot study with positive results. However, the study was limited by the lack of a control group. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the #chatsafe social media intervention on young people's safety and confidence when communicating on the web about suicide. METHODS The study employs a pragmatic, parallel, superiority randomized controlled design. It will be conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement over 18 months. Participants will be 400 young people aged 16-25 years (200 per arm). Participants will be recruited via social media advertising and assessed at 3 time points: time 1-baseline; time 2-8-week postintervention commencement; and time 3-4-week postintervention. They will be asked to complete a weekly survey to monitor safety and evaluate each piece of social media content. The intervention comprises an 8-week social media campaign including social media posts shared on public Instagram profiles. The intervention group will receive the #chatsafe suicide prevention content and the control group will receive sexual health content. Both groups will receive 24 pieces of content delivered to their mobile phones via text message. The primary outcome is safety when communicating on the web about suicide, as measured via the purpose-designed #chatsafe online safety questionnaire. Additional outcomes include willingness to intervene against suicide, internet self-efficacy, safety, and acceptability. RESULTS The study was funded in November 2020, approved by the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee on October 7, 2022, and prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry. Trial recruitment began in November 2022 and study completion is anticipated by June 2024. CONCLUSIONS This will be the first randomized controlled trial internationally to test the impact of a social media intervention designed to equip young people to communicate safely on the web about suicide. Given the rising rates of youth suicide in Australia and the acceptability of social media among young people, incorporating social media-based interventions into the suicide prevention landscape is an obvious next step. This intervention, if effective, could also be extended internationally, thereby improving web-based safety for young people not just in Australia but globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622001397707; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=384318. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/44300.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise La Sala
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Charlie Cooper
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Michelle Lamblin
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ellie Brown
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Hayley Nolan
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rikki Battersby-Coulter
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gowri Rajaram
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Pinar Thorn
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Summer May-Finlay
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Vincent Silenzio
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Jaelea Skehan
- Everymind, Newcastle, Australia.,College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - India Bellairs-Walsh
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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10
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Lyu S, Li Y. The Roles of Endorsement and Stigma in Suicidal Ideation and Behavior among Chinese College Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:877. [PMID: 36613198 PMCID: PMC9820051 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that stereotypes towards suicide, including endorsement of suicide and stigma toward suicide, may contribute to suicidal ideation and behaviors. However, this has not been examined directly. In this study, we examined whether endorsement of suicide and stigma toward suicide are involved in the pathway from suicidal ideation to suicide attempts among college students. To this end, we used the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS), the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and the Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS) to assess suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, endorsement of suicide, and stigma toward suicide, respectively, in a sample of 944 Chinese college students (mean age, 20.97 years). Using mediation analysis, we found that suicidal ideation partially mediated the relationship between endorsement of suicide and suicide attempts and between stigma toward suicide and suicide attempts. These findings provide novel evidence that endorsement of suicide and stigma toward suicide are closely associated with suicide attempts, but partially through the influences of suicidal ideation. Future studies should elaborate on their longitudinal relationships. Implications of these findings for clinical practices are discussed with reference to the ideation-to-action framework of suicide, aiming to reduce suicidal behaviors.
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11
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Thorn P, La Sala L, Hetrick S, Rice S, Lamblin M, Robinson J. Motivations and perceived harms and benefits of online communication about self-harm: An interview study with young people. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231176689. [PMID: 37252260 PMCID: PMC10214072 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-harm behaviour is prevalent among young people and online communication about self-harm is frequent. These online communications are associated with potential harms and potential benefits. To date, few studies have explored the motivations and mechanisms involved in youth online communication about self-harm. Objective This study aimed to explore why young people communicate online about self-harm and the perceived benefits and harms of these communications. Methods Twenty young people aged between 18 and 25 years completed an online interview. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Results Four main themes are reported: (1) crossing from offline to online-the double-edged affordances of social media: young people engaged in online communication about self-harm because they were unable or unwilling to speak about their experiences in offline contexts. Online spaces afforded anonymity and peer support, which were associated with benefits and harms; (2) user-generated is not quite the same as user-resonated: perceptions were influenced by whether the young person created or viewed or responded to the content. Written and visual content had pros and cons; (3) it's not just you, it's mostly me-individual characteristics influence perceptions: age and mental state influenced perceptions and behavior; and (4) beyond individuals-parameters are protective: leadership and platform policies and procedures aided safety. Conclusions Online communication about self-harm is neither entirely helpful nor harmful. Perceptions are influenced by individual, social, and systematic factors. Evidence-based guidelines are needed to increase young people's online self-harm literacy and help them build effective communication skills to buffer psychological and potentially physical harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Thorn
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise La Sala
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Hetrick
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The
University of Auckland, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michelle Lamblin
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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12
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Platt JM, Pamplin JR, Gimbrone C, Rutherford C, Kandula S, Olfson M, Gould MS, Martínez-Alés G, Shaman J, Keyes K. Racial Disparities in Spatial and Temporal Youth Suicide Clusters. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 61:1131-1140.e5. [PMID: 35031449 PMCID: PMC9271532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deaths by suicide correlate both spatially and temporally, leading to suicide clusters. This study aimed to estimate racial patterns in suicide clusters since 2000. METHOD Data from the US National Vital Statistics System included all International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10)-coded suicide cases from 2000-2019 among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI), Black, or White youth and young adults, aged 5-34 years. We estimated age, period, and cohort (APC) trends and identified spatiotemporal clusters using the SaTScan space-time statistic, which identified lower- and higher-than-expected suicide rates (cold and hot clusters) in a prespecified area (150 km) and time interval (15 months). We also calculated the average proportion of deaths by suicide contained in clusters, to quantify the relative importance of spatiotemporal patterning as a driver of overall suicide rates. RESULTS From 2010-2019, suicide rates increased from between 37% among AI/AN (95% CI = 1.22, 1.55) to 81% among A/PI (95% CI = 1.65, 2.01) groups. Suicide clusters accounted for 0.8%-10.3% of all suicide deaths, across racial groups. Since 2000, the likelihood of detecting cluster increased over time, with considerable differences in the number of clusters in each racial group (4 among AI/AN to 72 among White youth). Among Black youth and young adults, 27 total clusters were identified. Hot clusters were concentrated in southeastern and mid-Atlantic counties. CONCLUSION Suicide rates and clusters in youth and young adults have increased in the past 2 decades, requiring attention from policy makers, clinicians, and caretakers. Racially distinct patterns highlight opportunities to tailor individual- and population-level prevention efforts to prevent suicide deaths in emerging high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John R Pamplin
- Center for Urban Science and Progress, New York University, New York; Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York
| | | | | | | | - Mark Olfson
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York; Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Madelyn S Gould
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York; Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | | | - Jeffrey Shaman
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York
| | - Katherine Keyes
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York
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13
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Abstract
Suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. Between 2000 and 2018, US suicide rates increased by 35%, contributing to the stagnation and subsequent decrease in US life expectancy. During 2019, suicide declined modestly, mostly owing to slight reductions in suicides among Whites. Suicide rates, however, continued to increase or remained stable among all other racial/ethnic groups, and little is known about recent suicide trends among other vulnerable groups. This article (a) summarizes US suicide mortality trends over the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, (b) reviews potential group-level causes of increased suicide risk among subpopulations characterized by markers of vulnerability to suicide, and (c) advocates for combining recent advances in population-based suicide prevention with a socially conscious perspective that captures the social, economic, and political contexts in which suicide risk unfolds over the life course of vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Martínez-Alés
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; ,
- Department of Psychiatry, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tammy Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; ,
| | - Jaimie L Gradus
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
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14
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Till B, Tran US, Niederkrotenthaler T. The Impact of Educative News Articles about Suicide Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:2022-2029. [PMID: 32867541 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1813953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Media stories featuring stories of personal experiences of coping with suicidal ideation have been shown to decrease suicide risk, but it is unclear whether more impersonal awareness materials have similar effects. This study aimed to test the impact of impersonal educative news articles featuring interviews with suicide prevention experts. Because the impact of news articles may be determined by the articles' pull quotes and headlines, we also aimed to compare the impact of two versions of the same suicide prevention news article. One version featured headlines and pull quotes highlighting the message that suicide is preventable, whereas the other version focused on the message that suicide is prevalent. In a web-based randomized controlled trial, n = 425 participants either read a news article featuring a prevention expert with one of the above versions of the same text or an article unrelated to suicide. Data on suicidal ideation, stigmatizing attitudes toward suicidal individuals, policy attitudes toward suicide prevention, help-seeking intentions, and assumptions on the prevalence of suicide-related behavior were measured with questionnaires. The assumed prevalence of suicide in the population was greater in both intervention groups than in the control group, but the articles did not have an impact on other outcomes, and there were no differences for variations in headlines and pull quotes. Impersonal suicide prevention articles appear safe to use and do not have an impact on suicide risk factors in general population samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Till
- Unit Suicide Research and Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research
| | - Ulrich S Tran
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Vienna
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Unit Suicide Research and Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research
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15
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Jung EJ, Kim S. Suicide on YouTube:Factors engaging viewers to a selection of suicide-themed videos. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252796. [PMID: 34111162 PMCID: PMC8191908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual social media platforms can function as both facilitators and intervenors of concerning behaviors. This study focused on one of the health concerns worldwide, a leading cause of death related to mental health—suicide—in the context of a dominant visual social media platform, YouTube. This study employed content analysis method to identify the factors predicting viewer responses to suicide-themed content from the perspectives of who’s, what’s, and how’s of suicide-themed videos. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression showed that the characteristics of content provider and content expression were more significant predictors of viewer engagement than were the characteristics of the message. These findings have implications for not only platform service providers but also diverse groups of individuals who participate in online discussions on suicide. YouTube has the potential to function as a locus for open discussion, education, collective coping, and even the diagnosis of suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ji Jung
- Smart Study Co., Ltd, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Media and Communication, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongcheol Kim
- School of Media and Communication, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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16
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Quarshie ENB, Andoh-Arthur J, Asante KO, Asare-Doku W. Online media reporting of suicidal behaviour in Ghana: Analysis of adherence to the WHO guidelines. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2021; 67:251-259. [PMID: 32418459 PMCID: PMC8107450 DOI: 10.1177/0020764020919787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irresponsible media reporting of suicide is a potential risk for copycat suicide. There is a paucity of studies from sub-Saharan Africa on the quality of media reporting of suicide. OBJECTIVES We assessed the compliance of Ghanaian online media outlets with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for media reporting of suicide. METHODS We searched 10 local media outlets with strong online presence in Ghana, to identify suicide-related news reports from 2000 through 2019. We applied summative content analysis and chi-square (χ2) test to the data. RESULTS We included 288 news reports, of which 261 (90.6%) were completed suicides, 7 (2.4%) were attempted suicides and 20 (6.9%) were homicide suicides. Most of the news reports failed to comply with the WHO guidelines: 92.7% mentioned the specific method of the suicide act, 82.6% included 'suicide' in the headline and 55.6% included photos of the victims. The χ2 tests indicated that privately owned media outlets were more likely than publicly owned to post a photo of the victim, χ2(1) = 17.37, p < .001, and report the incident location in the headline, χ2(1) = 15.00, p < .001. However, generally, there were no statistically significant relationships between the quality of reporting and media outlet ownership. Each of the 288 reports failed to mention any of the potentially helpful features recommended by the WHO guidelines. CONCLUSION Regardless of the ownership of the media outlet (whether private or publicly owned), mostly, the online reportage of suicidal behaviour in Ghana deviates sharply from the international recommended best practice by the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana
| | - Johnny Andoh-Arthur
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana.,Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana.,Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Winifred Asare-Doku
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana.,School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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17
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Domaradzki J. The Werther Effect, the Papageno Effect or No Effect? A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2396. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the association between media reporting on suicides and the subsequent suicides. Scientific papers from two online bibliographic sources Medline (PubMed) and PsycINFO were searched. The sample included 108 research papers examining the impact of different types of media stories on suicides. The review revealed that although the media can be a double-edged sword and serve both as a risk and a protective factor, the vast majority of research suggests that the relationship between the media reporting and the actual suicide rates is causal and real. Moreover, both the quantity and the quality of media reporting may trigger additional suicides in society. Simultaneously, research suggests that especially non-fictional presentations of celebrities’ suicides in newspapers and on television news have the biggest influence on the subsequent suicides. Additionally, a strong modelling effect of media reporting on suicide is based on nationality, age, and gender. However, research shows that because a negative reporting style can be modifiable and improved, the media can also have an educative or preventive effect and can reduce the risk of contagion. Consequently, it is important to monitor the implementation of media recommendations for the reporting of suicide, and continuous education of reporters is needed.
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18
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Domaradzki J. The Werther Effect, the Papageno Effect or No Effect? A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2396. [PMID: 33804527 PMCID: PMC7967741 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines the association between media reporting on suicides and the subsequent suicides. Scientific papers from two online bibliographic sources Medline (PubMed) and PsycINFO were searched. The sample included 108 research papers examining the impact of different types of media stories on suicides. The review revealed that although the media can be a double-edged sword and serve both as a risk and a protective factor, the vast majority of research suggests that the relationship between the media reporting and the actual suicide rates is causal and real. Moreover, both the quantity and the quality of media reporting may trigger additional suicides in society. Simultaneously, research suggests that especially non-fictional presentations of celebrities' suicides in newspapers and on television news have the biggest influence on the subsequent suicides. Additionally, a strong modelling effect of media reporting on suicide is based on nationality, age, and gender. However, research shows that because a negative reporting style can be modifiable and improved, the media can also have an educative or preventive effect and can reduce the risk of contagion. Consequently, it is important to monitor the implementation of media recommendations for the reporting of suicide, and continuous education of reporters is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, ul. Rokietnicka 7, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
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19
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Banerjee D. ' All that Followed a Death. . .': An Alleged Celebrity Suicide, Media Discourse and Mental Health. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2020:20764020985572. [PMID: 33356758 DOI: 10.1177/0020764020985572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mortality and morbidity due to suicides have been an ever-growing burden in India. The public response to the understanding of suicidal deaths and popular perceptions are heavily dependent on media discourse and reporting of such cases. Recently, the alleged death of a young Indian celebrity due to suicide in India led to a media debacle that quickly spurred into endless speculations and sensational reporting of the associated details. Incidents of high-profile suicide often cause varied perceptions, attitudes and beliefs related to the 'act' that can get further compounded by misinformation and media-portrayal of the same. Recent cross-sectional research by Raj et al. (2020) explores the adherence of Indian media reporting of suicides for a month after the celebrity-death. It reveals that more than 80% of the news articles deviate from the prevalent Press Council of India (PCI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for media-reporting of suicides. With this study in the background, the commentary contextualizes its findings in the Indian socio-cultural scenario, reviews the influence of media on public attitudes toward suicide, and highlights the need for active media-public health collaboration as a part of a national suicide prevention strategy. Suicides need to be viewed beyond just the 'medical or psychological health' model through a more holistic biopsychosocial framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Banerjee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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20
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Pirkis J, Currier D, Bryant M, Bartlett S, Sinyor M, Spittal MJ. Coverage of Robin Williams' Suicide in Australian Newspapers. CRISIS 2020; 43:83-89. [PMID: 33275053 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Australia's Mindframe guidelines provide media professionals with advice on ways to safely report on suicide. Aims: We aimed to examine the extent to which Australian newspaper articles on Robin Williams' suicide conformed to the Mindframe recommendations. Method: We searched Factiva for relevant articles appearing in Australian newspapers during the 5 months following Williams' death on August 11, 2014. We retrieved the text of these articles from Factiva and, wherever possible, sourced scanned copies from the National Library of Australia. Trained coders rated the articles for quality, using a 10-item coding framework derived from the Mindframe guidelines. Results: Our search yielded 303 articles. In general, there were high levels of adherence to the Mindframe guidelines, with 67% of articles adhering to at least eight (80%) of the Mindframe guidelines. Limitations: We may have missed some articles and the coders' task involved some subjective judgments. Conclusion: Australian newspaper reporting of Robin Williams' suicide was largely consistent with the Mindframe guidelines. In particular, there was good adherence to recommendations designed to minimize the risk of imitative acts, which is positive. The poorer performance of articles in terms of recommendations to do with public education about suicide may be a missed opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dianne Currier
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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21
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Menon V, Arafat SMY, Akter H, Mukherjee S, Kar SK, Padhy SK. Cross-country comparison of media reporting of celebrity suicide in the immediate week: A pilot study. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 54:102302. [PMID: 32674068 PMCID: PMC7347465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Menon
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry-605006, India.
| | - S M Yasir Arafat
- Department of Psychiatry, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka-1340, Bangladesh
| | - Hasina Akter
- Dept. of Graduate Nursing, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
| | - Srijeeta Mukherjee
- Department of Psychiatry, MKCG Medical College, Brahmapur-760004, Odisha, India
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow-226003, U.P., India
| | - Susanta Kumar Padhy
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar-751019, Odisha, India
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22
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Sinyor M, Kiss A, Williams M, Zaheer R, Pirkis J, Heisel MJ, Schaffer A, Redelmeier DA, Cheung AH, Niederkrotenthaler T. Changes in Suicide Reporting Quality and Deaths in Ontario Following Publication of National Media Guidelines. CRISIS 2020; 42:378-385. [PMID: 33241743 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Media guidelines can influence suicide-related reporting quality and may impact suicide rates. Aim: Our study aimed to investigate the quality of suicide-related reporting after the release of the 2009 Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) guidelines and their impact on suicides. Method: A random sample of suicide-related articles (n = 988) were retrieved from 12 major Canadian print/online publications (2002-2015). Articles were coded for quality of content before and after guidelines release. Suicide mortality data were obtained from Ontario coroner records. Time series analyses were used to identify associations between guideline publication and subsequent suicides. Results: The CPA guidelines were associated with improvements in reporting quality with 10 putatively harmful elements being less frequent after their publication. These included less frequent front-page articles, monocausal (simplistic) explanations for suicide, and depictions of suicide methods. Two putatively protective factors, alternatives to suicide and messages of hope, were twice and four times as common, respectively, after the guidelines. The guidelines were not associated with a change in suicide counts. Limitations: This study could not prove exposure to suicide reporting. Conclusion: Publication of Canadian media guidelines was associated with significant, moderate-sized improvements in reporting quality but not with decreased suicides. The latter finding may reflect only modest dissemination and implementation of the guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marissa Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Graduate Centre for Applied Psychology, Athabasca University, AB, Canada
| | - Rabia Zaheer
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marnin J Heisel
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald A Redelmeier
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy H Cheung
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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23
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Acosta FJ, Rodríguez CJ, Cejas MR, Ramallo-Fariña Y, Fernandez-Garcimartin H. Suicide Coverage in the Digital Press Media: Adherence to World Health Organization Guidelines and Effectiveness of Different Interventions Aimed at Media Professionals. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 35:1623-1632. [PMID: 31469595 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1654176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the characteristics of suicide news articles in the digital press, their adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, and the effectiveness of interventions. We assessed adherence, avoidability, frequency and typology of suicide news over a six-month period in the four main digital media outlets of the Canary Islands (Spain). A brief training and information package intervention to the Canary Islands media outlets was carried out. We compared the quality of media reporting at both the pre-intervention and post-intervention timepoints, and compared the quality of reporting at the post-intervention timepoint in Victoria (Australia), where media interventions have been well-resourced and running for several years. We evaluated 339 suicide news articles: 38 from the pre-intervention period, 64 from the post-intervention period, and 237 from Victoria. News articles showed a very low degree of adherence to WHO recommendations, especially to those recommendations thought to have a protective effect. Post-intervention news articles showed better adherence than pre-intervention ones, but lower than those of Victoria, where constant interventions have been developed for years. We conclude that adherence to WHO recommendations is low. Simple interventions aimed at media professionals can improve adherence. However, constant and complex interventions seem to be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Acosta
- Service of Mental Health, General Management of Healthcare Programs, The Canary Islands Health Service
- Research Network on Health Services for Chronic Conditions (REDISSEC), Carlos III Health Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Insular University Hospital of Gran Canaria
| | - Carlos J Rodríguez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Fuerteventura General Hospital
| | - María R Cejas
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of the Canary Islands
- University of La Laguna
| | - Yolanda Ramallo-Fariña
- Research Network on Health Services for Chronic Conditions (REDISSEC), Carlos III Health Institute
- Canary Foundation of Health Research (FUNCANIS)
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Antebi L, Carmichael V, Whitley R. Assessing Adherence to Responsible Reporting of Suicide Guidelines in the Canadian News Media: A 1-year Examination of Day-to-day Suicide Coverage: Évaluer la conformité au journalisme responsable en matière de directives sur le suicide dans les médias canadiens d'information: Un examen d'une année de la couverture quotidienne du suicide. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2020; 65:621-629. [PMID: 32588647 PMCID: PMC7457458 DOI: 10.1177/0706743720936462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine routine day-to-day suicide reporting in the Canadian media, giving a descriptive overview of the tone and content of news articles. The primary objective is to assess adherence to responsible reporting of suicide recommendations in news articles about suicide. A secondary objective is to categorize these articles according to their focus. A tertiary objective is to compare guideline adherence across the different categories of articles. METHODS We collected news articles containing the keyword "suicide" from 47 Canadian news sources between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020. Articles were read and coded for their adherence to responsible reporting of suicide recommendations. Articles were also allotted into categories according to their focus and primary suicide discussed. Frequency counts and percentages of adherence were calculated for all key variables-both overall and by category of article. Chi-square tests were also conducted to assess for variations in adherence by category of article. RESULTS The procedures resulted in 1,330 coded articles. On the one hand, there was high overall adherence to several recommendations. For example, over 80% of articles did not give a monocausal explanation, glamourize the death, appear on the front page, include sensational language, or use discouraged words. On the other hand, there was low adherence to other recommendations, especially those related to putatively protective content. For example, less than 25% included help-seeking information, quoted an expert, or included educational content. Cross-category analysis indicated that articles about events/policies/research and Indigenous people had the highest proportions of adherence, while articles about murder-suicide and high-profile suicides had the lowest adherence. CONCLUSIONS While a substantial proportion of articles generally adhere to suicide reporting recommendations, several guidelines are frequently underapplied, especially those concerning putatively helpful content. This indicates room for improvement in the responsible reporting of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Antebi
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Victoria Carmichael
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rob Whitley
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,5620McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Sumner SA, Burke M, Kooti F. Adherence to suicide reporting guidelines by news shared on a social networking platform. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:16267-16272. [PMID: 32631982 PMCID: PMC7368318 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001230117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rates of suicide in the United States are at a more than 20-y high. Suicide contagion, or spread of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors through exposure to sensationalized and harmful content is a well-recognized phenomenon. Health authorities have published guidelines for news media reporting on suicide to help prevent contagion; however, uptake of recommendations remains limited. A key barrier to widespread voluntary uptake of suicide-reporting guidelines is that more sensational content is perceived to be more engaging to readers and thus enhances publisher visibility and engagement; however, no empirical information exists on the actual influence of adherence to safe-reporting practices on reader engagement. Hence, we conducted a study to analyze adherence to suicide-reporting guidelines on news shared on social media and to assess how adherence affects reader engagement. Our analysis of Facebook data revealed that harmful elements were prevalent in news articles about suicide shared on social media while the presence of protective elements was generally rare. Contrary to popular perception, closer adherence to safe-reporting practices was associated with a greater likelihood of an article being reshared (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10 to 1.27) and receiving positive engagement ("love" reactions) (AOR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.26). Mean safe-reporting scores were lower in the US than other English-speaking nations and variation existed by publisher characteristics. Our results provide empirical evidence that improved adherence to suicide-reporting guidelines may benefit not only the health of individuals, but also support publisher goals of reach and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Sumner
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341;
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Brandt Sørensen J, Pearson M, Armstrong G, Andersen MW, Weerasinghe M, Hawton K, Konradsen F. A Qualitative Analysis of Self-Harm and Suicide in Sri Lankan Printed Newspapers. CRISIS 2020; 42:56-63. [PMID: 32366170 PMCID: PMC8208295 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Media reporting may influence suicidal behavior. In-depth exploration of how self-harm and suicide are portrayed in newspaper articles in a middle-income country such as Sri Lanka is lacking. Aims: We aimed to explore how self-harm and suicide are portrayed in Sri Lankan printed newspapers. Method: Seven English- and Sinhala-language Sri Lankan newspapers were screened for articles reporting on self-harm and suicide (December 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015). A thematic analysis was conducted. Results: In the 78 articles identified for analysis, certain aspects were overemphasized (inappropriate behavior) and others underemphasized (alcohol and complexities of self-harm). Explanations of self-harm were one-sided and a suicide prevention narrative was lacking. Limitations: Another time-frame and inclusion of Tamil newspapers as well as social media and online publications would provide additional understanding. Conclusion: The study found an indication of simplistic reporting. Greater focus on prevention and a nuanced portrayal of self-harm could reduce stigma and imitative behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Pearson
- School of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gregory Armstrong
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Manjula Weerasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, UK
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Gregory P, Stevenson F, King M, Osborn D, Pitman A. The experiences of people bereaved by suicide regarding the press reporting of the death: qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:176. [PMID: 32075618 PMCID: PMC7031901 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Media guidelines on suicide reporting of suicide have two purposes: to prevent further suicides, and to minimise distress to the bereaved, who are themselves at increased risk of suicide. We aimed to describe the subjective experiences of people bereaved by suicide regarding media reporting of the suicide of their friend or relative. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of staff and students aged 18–40 at 37 United Kingdom higher educational institutions in 2010 to recruit adults who had experienced bereavement by the suicide of a close contact. We analysed free-text responses to a question probing experiences of the press after the suicide, using thematic analysis to identify key themes. Results We analysed responses from 140 eligible respondents, and identified 3 main themes: value placed on respecting the privacy or wishes of the bereaved; respect accorded to the deceased; and the role of the press in promoting suicide prevention messages. Many respondents described negative experiences of the press, with sub-themes capturing distressing experiences relating to perceptions of journalists’ intrusive behaviour, failure to consult appropriately with the bereaved, journalists releasing private information, negatively misrepresenting the deceased, and breaching the anonymity of the deceased or bereaved. We identified considerable variation in people’s views over acceptable levels of detail reported in the press, and in some cases objections were in relation to journalists following media guidelines. These divergent views illustrate the tensions between the twin purposes of media guidelines: to prevent further suicides, and to protect the bereaved. Conclusions The findings from our British sample provide journalists with personal perspectives from bereaved relatives on the impact of media intrusion, speculation, and misrepresentation, and an insight into disparate views on the nature of information relatives feel comfortable disclosing. These findings suggest a need for journalists’ training to include exposure to such views, to heighten awareness of potentially distressing effects and the nuances of bereaved people’s preferences. This should aim to encourage journalists to consult with bereaved relatives more sensitively, whilst also remaining mindful of media guidelines on the reporting of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Gregory
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.,Barnet Enfield & Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK.,Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Fiona Stevenson
- UCL Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael King
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - David Osborn
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.,Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK. .,Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Skehan J, Paton E, Tynan R. The uptake of evidence-informed guidelines for reporting suicide into media codes of practice and policies in Australia. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 31:482-490. [PMID: 31846517 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Despite different models and frameworks for effective suicide prevention, a universal intervention that is consistently highlighted is the need for responsible and safe media reporting of suicide. This is based on evidence of an association between media reporting of suicide and subsequent suicidal behaviour. This study examines the extent to which media-led policies and codes of practice in Australia have integrated and aligned with evidence-informed recommendations about reporting suicide. METHODS An online search of Australian media agency websites was used to identify codes of practice or similar guidance for news reporting. Content analysis was conducted on all identified documents, assessing alignment with 16 key recommendations from the Mindframe media guidelines for reporting on suicide. RESULTS A total of 17 documents across 12 media agencies were identified. Ten of the 12 agencies provided specific advice about the reporting of suicide, with all agencies that issue codes of practice or editorial policies including between two and 10 recommendations aligned with the Mindframe guidelines. CONCLUSIONS While the results of this study are positive, significant variation between media agencies shows that there are opportunities to enhance adoption and implementation of evidence-informed guidance for media professionals in Australia. SO WHAT?: With over 3000 people dying by suicide and over 60 000 people attempting suicide each year in Australia, the prevention of suicide remains a key public health priority requiring a multi-sector and health-in-all-policies approach. This study reveals that there is a strong platform for ongoing collaboration with the Australian media to ensure safe and sensitive coverage of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaelea Skehan
- Everymind, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Paton
- Everymind, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Creative Industries, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ross Tynan
- Everymind, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Pirkis J, Currier D, Too LS, Bryant M, Bartlett S, Sinyor M, Spittal MJ. Suicides in Australia following media reports of the death of Robin Williams. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2020; 54:99-104. [PMID: 31749369 DOI: 10.1177/0004867419888297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the extent to which local reporting of Robin Williams' suicide (on 11 August 2014) was associated with suicide in Australia. It followed several studies in the United States which showed that there were significant increases in suicide following media reports of Williams' death and that those media reports were less than optimal in terms of adherence to best-practice guidelines. In a previous study, we demonstrated that Australian media reports of Williams' suicide were largely adherent with our Mindframe guidelines on responsible reporting of suicide, so we speculated that there would be no increase in suicide following the reporting of Williams' suicide in Australia. METHOD We extracted data on Australian suicides from the National Coroners Information System for the period 2001 to 2016. We conducted interrupted time series regression analyses to determine whether there were changes in suicides in the 5-month period immediately following Williams' suicide. RESULTS Our hypothesis that there would be no increase in suicides in Australia following Williams' highly publicised suicide was not supported. There was an 11% increase in suicides in the 5-month period following Williams' death, largely accounted for by men aged 30-64 and by people who died by hanging (the method Williams used). CONCLUSION It may be that Australians were exposed to reports that contravened safe reporting recommendations, particularly via overseas media or social media, and/or that some Australian reports may have had unhelpful overarching narratives, despite largely adhering to the Mindframe guidelines. The Mindframe guidelines constitute international best practice but consideration should be given to whether certain recommendations within them should be further reinforced and whether more nuanced information about how stories should be framed could be provided. Future revision and augmentation of the Mindframe guidelines should, as always, involve media professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dianne Currier
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lay San Too
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Martinez-Ales G, Hernandez-Calle D, Khauli N, Keyes KM. Why Are Suicide Rates Increasing in the United States? Towards a Multilevel Reimagination of Suicide Prevention. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 46:1-23. [PMID: 32860592 PMCID: PMC8699163 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Suicide, a major public health concern, takes around 800,000 lives globally every year and is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Despite substantial prevention efforts, between 1999 and 2017, suicide and nonfatal self-injury rates have experienced unprecedented increases across the United States - as well as in many other countries in the world. This chapter reviews the existing evidence on the causes behind increased suicide rates and critically evaluates the impact of a range of innovative approaches to suicide prevention. First, we briefly describe current trends in suicide and suicidal behaviors and relate them to recent time trends in relevant suicide risk markers. Then, we review the existing evidence in suicide prevention at the individual and the population levels, including new approaches that are currently under development. Finally, we advocate for a new generation of suicide research that examines causal factors beyond the proximal and clinical and fosters a socially conscious reimagining of suicidal prevention. To this end, we emphasize the need for the conceptualization of suicide and suicidal behaviors as complex phenomena with causes at several levels of organization. Future interdisciplinary research and interventions should be developed within a multilevel causal framework that can better capture the social, economic, and political settings where suicide, as a process, unfolds across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Martinez-Ales
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Nicole Khauli
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Jenkin GLS, Slim BE, Collings S. News Media Coverage of Stakeholder Views on Suicide and Its Reporting in New Zealand. CRISIS 2019; 41:248-254. [PMID: 31657641 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Periodically, a debate around suicide reporting becomes prominent in the media. At one point, the Chief Coroner of New Zealand made a public call to the media to open up discussions around suicide and its reporting. Following this action, a high-profile debate emerged in the media. Aims: Our aim was to identify the key players in this debate and examine their perspectives. Method: From a Factiva search of news items from high-circulation newspapers, we identified key stakeholders and documented their perspectives using a framing matrix. Results: Seven stakeholder groups were identified with coroners and health service providers dominant in the news. Framing around the issues varied. There was consensus among the majority of stakeholders supporting continued public health type coverage of the issue of suicide, but a number of differences in levels of support for the reporting individual suicides. Limitations: Although specific to New Zealand, the findings will be of interest to countries considering reporting restrictions. Conclusion: The debate around suicide and its reporting appears to have been obfuscated by the conflating of two different types of media reporting on suicide: news media coverage of suicide as a public health issue and the reporting of individual suicide cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle L S Jenkin
- Suicide and Mental Health Research Group, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ben E Slim
- 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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Abstract
Although recent years have seen large decreases in the overall global rate of suicide fatalities, this trend is not reflected everywhere. Suicide and suicidal behaviour continue to present key challenges for public policy and health services, with increasing suicide deaths in some countries such as the USA. The development of suicide risk is complex, involving contributions from biological (including genetics), psychological (such as certain personality traits), clinical (such as comorbid psychiatric illness), social and environmental factors. The involvement of multiple risk factors in conveying risk of suicide means that determining an individual's risk of suicide is challenging. Improving risk assessment, for example, by using computer testing and genetic screening, is an area of ongoing research. Prevention is key to reduce the number of suicide deaths and prevention efforts include universal, selective and indicated interventions, although these interventions are often delivered in combination. These interventions, combined with psychological (such as cognitive behavioural therapy, caring contacts and safety planning) and pharmacological treatments (for example, clozapine and ketamine) along with coordinated social and public health initiatives, should continue to improve the management of individuals who are suicidal and decrease suicide-associated morbidity.
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Sinyor M, Schaffer A, Nishikawa Y, Redelmeier DA, Niederkrotenthaler T, Sareen J, Levitt AJ, Kiss A, Pirkis J. The association between suicide deaths and putatively harmful and protective factors in media reports. CMAJ 2019; 190:E900-E907. [PMID: 30061324 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to media reporting on suicide can lead to suicide contagion and, in some circumstances, may also lead to help-seeking behaviour. There is limited evidence for which specific characteristics of media reports mediate these phenomena. METHODS This observational study examined associations between putatively harmful and protective elements of media reports about suicide in 13 major publications in the Toronto media market and subsequent suicide deaths in Toronto (2011-2014). We used multivariable logistic regression to determine whether specific article characteristics were associated with increases or decreases in suicide deaths in the 7 days after publication, compared with a control window. RESULTS From 2011 to 2014, there were 6367 articles with suicide as the major focus and 947 suicide deaths. Elements most strongly and independently associated with increased suicides were a statement about the inevitability of suicide (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, confidence interval [CI] 1.07-3.62), about asphyxia by a method other than car exhaust (OR 1.72, CI 1.36-2.18), about suicide by jumping from a building (OR 1.70, CI 1.28-2.26) or about suicide pacts (OR 1.63, CI 1.14-2.35), or a headline that included the suicide method (OR 1.41, CI 1.07-1.86). Elements most strongly and independently associated with decreased suicides were unfavourable characteristics (negative judgments about the deceased; OR 1.85, CI 1.20-2.84), or mentions of railway (OR 1.61, CI 1.10-2.36) and cutting or stabbing (OR 1.59, CI 1.19-2.13) deaths, and individual murder-suicide (OR 1.50, CI 1.23-1.84). INTERPRETATION This large study identified significant associations between several specific elements of media reports and suicide deaths. It suggests that reporting on suicide can have a meaningful impact on suicide deaths and that journalists and media outlets and organizations should carefully consider the specific content of reports before publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yasunori Nishikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Donald A Redelmeier
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jitender Sareen
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony J Levitt
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alex Kiss
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Sinyor); Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto (Schaffer); Department of Psychiatry (Nishikawa), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; University of Toronto and Evaluative Clinical Sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Redelmeier), Toronto, Ont.; Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Suicide Research Unit (Niederkrotenthaler), Vienna, Austria; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences (Sareen), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Department of Psychiatry (Levitt), University of Toronto; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto (Kiss), Toronto, Ont.; Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and University of Melbourne (Pirkis), Melbourne, Australia
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Sheehan L, Oexle N, Bushman M, Fulginiti A, Frey LM. Suicide-related disclosure: implications for inclusion and recovery. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-01-2019-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
People who have lived experiences with suicide often struggle with concealable stigmatized identities that threaten their inclusion and recovery. While disclosure of a stigmatized identity can promote support and recovery and therefore prevent suicide, it may also present distinct risks. The purpose of this paper is to summarize key issues in suicide-related disclosure, suggest theoretical models for describing suicide-related disclosure and identify research needs.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper discusses the existing literature on disclosure of concealable stigmatized identities, then explores research on disclosure of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and suicide loss. Theoretical models (disclosure processes model and interpersonal theory of suicide) that can be employed in understanding suicide-related disclosure are explored. Finally, the paper suggests areas for future research, including longitudinal research to identify strategic disclosure practices that can lead to greater inclusion and recovery.
Findings
Research on suicide-related disclosure should differentiate between disclosure of past and current suicidality, incorporate theoretical frameworks and examine approaches for preparing potential confidants and disclosers for the disclosure process.
Originality/value
This paper highlights issues unique to the disclosure of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and to suicide loss.
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van Leeuwen L, Bommelé J. Do Dutch News Reports About Suicide Refer to Suicide Prevention Strategies? CRISIS 2019; 41:225-228. [PMID: 31418308 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Previous research and media guidelines suggest two potential protective characteristics of news reports about suicide: (1) individuals who adopt coping strategies other than suicidal behavior are described and (2) information about resources for support is provided. Aims: Our aim was to investigate the extent to which Dutch news reports contain these two potential protective characteristics. Method: A random selection of Dutch news reports (N = 296) published in the previous 6 months was coded on the presence of each of the two potential protective characteristics. Results: Of the 296 news reports, 50 news reports (16.9%) mentioned available resources for support. Only one news report (0.3%) described an individual who adopted coping strategies other than suicidal behavior in adverse circumstances, namely, entering a mental health care institution. Limitations: One of the limitations is that, owing to the selection of news reports, conclusions pertain only to news reports published by Dutch media sources with the most readership in that period. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that current knowledge about protective characteristics of news reports on suicide needs to be better implemented in The Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonneke van Leeuwen
- Youth and Risky Behavior Department, Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Bommelé
- Drug Monitoring and Policy Department, Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bakst SS, Berchenko Y, Braun T, Shohat T. The Effects of Publicized Suicide Deaths on Subsequent Suicide Counts in Israel. Arch Suicide Res 2019; 23:440-454. [PMID: 29791280 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2018.1456991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated associations between indiscriminate media reporting of suicides and later inflated suicide counts among Israel's general population between the years 2008 and 2012. Self-inflicted deaths that received post-suicide media exposure (referred to as "publicized suicides") were selected via Google news search-hit appraisals. Distributions of suicides were inspected and risk ratios (RRs) estimated by comparing population suicide rates 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after each publicized suicide ("reference" vs. "affected" periods, respectively). Poisson time series regression was employed to account also for secular trends and seasonality. A total of 2,119 people died by suicide, 13 of whom received noticeable media attention throughout the study. No meaningful impact following the 13 deaths on subsequent suicide counts during the observation window (affected vs. reference phase) was found. Poisson regression confirmed that suicide counts following publicized suicides were independent of media coverage. Given the pronounced search hits following the publicized suicides developing regulation practices that constrain indiscreet media reporting should officially be included as part of suicide prevention practices. Future research should focus on imitation suicide effects as a function of post-suicide media exposure, while including both risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly S Bakst
- a Ministry of Health , Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC) , Ramat Gan , Israel
| | - Yakir Berchenko
- b Biostatistics Unit Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research , Ramat Gan , Israel.,c Department of Industrial Engineering and Management , Ben Gurion University of the Negev , Be'er-Sheva , Israel
| | - Tali Braun
- a Ministry of Health , Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC) , Ramat Gan , Israel
| | - Tamy Shohat
- a Ministry of Health , Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC) , Ramat Gan , Israel.,d Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
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Thienel R, Bryant M, Hazel G, Skehan J, Tynan R. Do Australian media apply recommendations when covering a suicide prevention campaign? JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-10-2018-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Media reporting and portrayals of mental illness and suicide can play an important role in shaping and reinforcing community attitudes and perceptions. Depending on the content, a report about suicide can have either a negative (Werther-) or a positive (Papageno-) effect. Evidence-informed recommendations for the reporting of suicide in Australia are provided under the Mindframe initiative. The purpose of this paper is to assess the application of these recommendations in broadcasts associated with one of the largest national campaigns to promote suicide prevention, the R U OK? Day, a yearly campaign of the Australian suicide prevention charity R U OK?
Design/methodology/approach
The sample consisted of 112 (32 TV, 80 radio) Australian broadcasts discussing the R U OK? Day suicide prevention campaign during the month preceding the 2015 campaign and on the national R U OK? Day itself. Broadcasts were coded for medium (TV or radio), content (suicide focus, mental illness focus or both) and consistency with Mindframe recommendations.
Findings
Over 97 per cent of broadcasts used language consistent with Mindframe recommendations. None of the broadcasts used images that negatively portrayed mental illness or suicide; there were no instances of using mental illness to describe a person’s behaviour; and no sensationalizing or glamorising terminology was used in the broadcasts. However, less than 40 per cent of the broadcasts included help-seeking information (e.g. helplines) and some of the broadcasts used negative or outdated terminology (e.g. “commit” suicide; “suffering” from mental illness).
Originality/value
The present study is the first to examine consistency with reporting recommendations around a national suicide prevention campaign (R U OK? Day). The results can steer improvements in current reporting and inform strategies to optimise future reporting.
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Scherr S, Markiewitz A, Arendt F. Effectiveness of a Workshop Intervention on Responsible Reporting on Suicide Among Swiss Media Professionals. CRISIS 2019; 40:446-450. [PMID: 30935243 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: There is limited knowledge about the effects of a workshop intervention on responsible reporting on suicide (RRS) by media professionals. The study aimed to test how a workshop can shape reporting-relevant attitudes and beliefs among media professionals. Method: A pre-postintervention survey of Swiss media professionals (N = 26, 55.7% male, Mage = 38.1, SDage = 12.8, all Swiss nationals) was conducted. All participants received the same intervention and survey questions. The analytical focus was on within-person changes caused by the workshop intervention. Results: Among media professionals, the workshop intervention increased perceived knowledge sufficiency about RRS, raised awareness that RRS can save lives, decreased insecurities related to RRS, and reduced the misperception that there are no clear recommendations about RRS. Limitations: Despite the missing randomization of workshop participants, the repeated measures design allows to speak to the short-term changes in RRS. Conclusion: An RRS workshop intervention has multifaceted positive effects on media professionals. The study found no evidence for unintended effects of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Scherr
- School for Mass Communication Research, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antonia Markiewitz
- Department of Communication Science and Media Research, University of Munich (LMU), Germany
| | - Florian Arendt
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Suicide is the second leading cause of death worldwide for adolescents. Despite decades of research on correlates and risk factors for adolescent suicide, we know little about why suicidal ideation and behavior frequently emerge in adolescence and how to predict, and ultimately prevent, suicidal behavior among youths. In this review, we first discuss knowledge regarding correlates, risk factors, and theories of suicide. We then review why adolescence is a period of unique vulnerability, given changing biology and social network reorganization. Next, we present a conceptual model through which to interpret emerging findings in adolescent suicide research. We suggest that a promising area for future research is to examine adolescent suicide as a failure of biological responses to acute stress in the proximal moments of a suicidal crisis. After reviewing initial evidence for this conceptualization, we review future directions for studies on adolescent suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bryant Miller
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA; ,
| | - Mitchell J Prinstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA; ,
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Sinyor M, Williams M, Vincent M, Schaffer A, Yip PSF, Gunnell D. Suicide deaths by gas inhalation in Toronto: An observational study of emerging methods of suicide. J Affect Disord 2019; 243:226-231. [PMID: 30248633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide death by gas inhalation has been the subject of global scientific interest due to a rapid increase in the use of helium and charcoal gas for suicide. These may be particularly amenable to means restriction strategies. There has been little scientific attention of this phenomenon in Canada. METHODS A review of coroner records was conducted for all suicide deaths in Toronto (1998-2015). Deaths were categorized as due to inhalational asphyxia by compressed gas (i.e. helium or nitrogen), charcoal burning or motor vehicle exhaust, with suicide deaths by other methods as a comparator. Demographic, clinical and suicide specific differences between decedents in these four categories were compared using chi-squared or ANOVA global test of significance with additional pairwise comparisons where appropriate. Secular trends were also examined. RESULTS Gas inhalational deaths accounted for 190 (4.7%) of all suicides in Toronto (n = 4062) over the study period and a higher proportion of males used compressed gas or motor vehicle exhaust gases than those who died by other methods (83.3% and 84.0% vs.69.7%, both p = 0.01). Comparing 1998-2003 to 2010-2015 there was a 1075% increase in deaths by helium (4 vs. 43 deaths) and a 533% increase in deaths by charcoal burning (3 vs. 16 deaths) although helium and charcoal burning deaths still accounted for only 4.2% of total suicides 2010-2015. Deaths by helium were more likely to be accompanied by the book "Final Exit" than those by non-inhalational methods (15% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.0001) while 13 of 14 people who died by charcoal burning whose ethnicity could be determined were Asian. LIMITATIONS Ethnicity and specific details of procurement of suicide methods were not systematically available in coroner records. DISCUSSION Suicide by inhalational asphyxia, particularly by compressed gases, has increased substantially over time in Toronto consistent with observations in other countries. Increased surveillance of these deaths, efforts to restrict access to these methods, and timely interventions including minimizing media reporting are all warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Marissa Williams
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Ayal Schaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul S F Yip
- Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, Hong Kong; University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - David Gunnell
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Bristol, UK; National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Taylor J, McLean L, Korner A, Glozier N. Direct and indirect psychological impacts of shark-bite events. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2019; 53:27-36. [PMID: 30375881 DOI: 10.1177/0004867418808899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Shark bites are rare, with intense media exposure. There are no known studies of the psychological impacts of this specific type of traumatic event. This is the first study that describes those directly and indirectly affected, and evaluates the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related risk factors. METHODS In total, 124 members of an Australian shark-bite peer-support group were invited to complete an online survey assessing demographic, event, media and psychological factors. Response rate was 48% ( n = 60, 63% male, 44 ± 14 years). Retrospective and current measures of PTSD (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 [PCL-5]) and suicidality (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale [SIDAS-5]) were used. RESULTS Post-event PTSD was prevalent in this sample ( n = 16/59, 27.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [15.4, 38.8]), but less so currently ( n = 2/55, 3.6%, 95% CI = [0.0, 8.7]). In addition, nine ( n = 9/59, 15.3%, 95% CI = [5.8, 24.7]) had subthreshold, but highly symptomatic, syndromes post event. There was no association of PTSD with direct/indirect bite involvement, gender, or prior trauma. Two respondents were at risk of suicidal behaviour. PTSD was commonly reported by those without a partner (odds ratio [OR] = 5.91, 95% CI = [1.52, 22.99], p = 0.01) or with two friends or fewer to rely on (OR = 5.83, 95% CI = [1.62, 21.01], p = 0.01). PTSD was more likely in those with a negative media experience ( n = 34/52, 65.4%, OR = 11.90, 95% CI = [1.42, 100.04], p = 0.02) and 61.5% ( n = 32/52) of respondents reported media coverage lasting months or years. In multivariate modelling, negative media impact, relationship status and friendships were independently associated with PTSD and explained much of the variance in PTSD ( F4,41 = 10.94, p < 0.0001, r2 = 0.52). CONCLUSION Nearly one-third of members of an Australian shark-bite peer-support group report post-event PTSD, and one-quarter of these were not present at the time of the event. Findings support interventions targeting negative media impact, similar to media reporting guidelines for suicide, and enhancing social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Taylor
- 1 Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,2 Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Loyola McLean
- 2 Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,3 Westmead Psychotherapy Program for Complex Traumatic Disorders, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Cumberland Hospital, North Parramatta, NSW, Australia.,4 Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony Korner
- 1 Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,3 Westmead Psychotherapy Program for Complex Traumatic Disorders, Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Cumberland Hospital, North Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Glozier
- 1 Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,2 Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Ross AM, Morgan AJ, Jorm AF, Reavley NJ. A systematic review of the impact of media reports of severe mental illness on stigma and discrimination, and interventions that aim to mitigate any adverse impact. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2019; 54:11-31. [PMID: 30349962 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-018-1608-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to summarise the evidence on the impact of news media and social media reports of severe mental illness (SMI) on stigma, and interventions that aim to mitigate any adverse impact. METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted in December 2017 to identify studies that report on the impact of media coverage or media interventions on stigma related to schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or mental illness in general. Data were synthesised narratively. RESULTS 12 studies met inclusion criteria; seven explored the impact of news media on stigma towards SMI or general mental illness, two explored the impact of social media, while three evaluated interventions that aimed to mitigate this impact. These studies showed that positive news reports and social media posts are likely to lead to reductions in stigmatizing attitudes and negative reports and social media posts are likely to increase stigmatizing attitudes. There were a limited number of interventions aiming to mitigate the negative impact of news reports of mental illness on stigma; however, these were ineffective. Interventions with media professionals appear to be successful at reducing their stigmatizing attitudes, but can also act to increase both positive and negative reports in the media. CONCLUSIONS Given the limited research evidence on the impact of news and social media on stigma towards SMI, and on the effectiveness of interventions aiming to mitigate this impact, further studies of higher quality are needed in this area. Due to mixed findings, interventions with media professionals are also an area of research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Ross
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Amy J Morgan
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony F Jorm
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicola J Reavley
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Marzano L, Fraser L, Scally M, Farley S, Hawton K. News Coverage of Suicidal Behavior in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. CRISIS 2018; 39:386-396. [DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Media reporting of suicide has been associated with imitative acts. Internationally, this has led to the development of guidelines to promote responsible reporting of suicide. Aims: To examine the nature and quality of news coverage of suicidal behavior in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI). Method: UK and ROI press clippings relating to suicide over 12 months (N = 8,101) were coded for content and assessed for quality against existing guidelines. We examined variability in relation to key characteristics (e.g., type of publication) and compared newspaper portrayal of suicide against official statistics. Results: Reports were biased toward young, female, and relatively unusual suicides (including those involving a celebrity, more than one individual, and violent methods). Almost a third of reports had inappropriate headlines, but only a minority were of poor overall quality, and editors appear to be responsive to feedback. There was considerable variability in the quality of reports for different suicide methods. Limitations: This work cannot account for the impact of reporting on suicidal behavior. The speed of change in media trends also limits its conclusions. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the need for sustained efforts to promote responsible reporting of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marzano
- Psychology Department, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | | | - Mia Scally
- Psychology Department, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Stuart Farley
- Psychology Department, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, UK
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Levi-Belz Y, Gamliel E. Effect of Relative Versus Absolute Quantitative Messages Regarding Suicide on the Perceived Severity of the Phenomenon. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2018; 81:592-606. [DOI: 10.1177/0030222818791715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Presentation of epidemiological information about the absolute number of suicides has been used occasionally to increase awareness of the suicide phenomenon. This study investigated the effectiveness of absolute quantitative messages versus relative messages. An example of relative messages would be comparing the number of suicide deaths with the number of deaths by car accidents. Participants were randomly presented with absolute or relative messages regarding suicide. They were then requested to indicate the degree of severity they attributed to the suicide phenomenon, being the level to which they view the phenomenon as sufficiently important to mandate national intervention and resource allocation. Relative messages proved more effective than absolute ones in yielding greater perceived severity of suicide. Increasing public and policymakers’ awareness of the suicide phenomenon could be aided by presenting information in relative terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossi Levi-Belz
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
- The Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Eyal Gamliel
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
- The Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Studies, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
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Brandt Sørensen J, Pearson M, Andersen MW, Weerasinghe M, Rathnaweera M, Rathnapala DGC, Eddleston M, Konradsen F. Self-Harm and Suicide Coverage in Sri Lankan Newspapers. CRISIS 2018; 40:54-61. [PMID: 30052076 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irresponsible media reporting may influence suicidal behavior. Adherence to guidelines for responsible reporting of suicide has not been examined in Sri Lanka in recent times. AIMS To examine the quality of reporting on self-harm and suicide in Sri Lankan newspapers and compare the quality between Sinhala and English newspapers. METHOD From December 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015, 407 editions of newspapers were screened. Reporting quality was measured using the PRINTQUAL tool. RESULTS We identified 68 articles covering an episode of self-harm or suicide (42 Sinhala and 26 English). The majority of articles were noncompliant with guidelines for sensitive reporting. Indicators of noncompliance included that newspaper articles frequently reported method in the headline (53%), included detailed characteristics of the individual (100%), used insensitive language (58% of English articles), and attributed a single-factor cause to the self-harm (52%). No information about help-seeking was included. LIMITATIONS The study involved a relatively short period of data collection. Including social media, Tamil language newspapers, and online publications would have provided additional understanding of reporting practices. CONCLUSION The majority of Sri Lankan newspapers did not follow the principles of good reporting, indicating a need for further training of journalists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Brandt Sørensen
- 1 Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,6 South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Melissa Pearson
- 5 Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Therapeutics, University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, UK.,6 South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Manjula Weerasinghe
- 2 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.,6 South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | - Michael Eddleston
- 5 Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Therapeutics, University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, UK.,6 South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Flemming Konradsen
- 1 Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,6 South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Arendt F. Suicide on Instagram - Content Analysis of a German Suicide-Related Hashtag. CRISIS 2018; 40:36-41. [PMID: 29932019 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally. Unfortunately, the suicide-related content on Instagram, a popular social media platform for youth, has not received the scholarly attention it deserves. METHOD The present study provides a content analysis of posts tagged as #selbstmord, a German suicide-related hashtag. These posts were created between July 5 and July 11, 2017. RESULTS Approximately half of all posts included words or visuals related to suicide. Cutting was by far the most prominent method. Although sadness was the dominant emotion, self-hate and loneliness also appeared regularly. Importantly, inconsistency - a gap between one's inner mental state (e.g., sadness) and one's overtly expressed behavior (e.g., smiling) - was also a recurring theme. Conversely, help-seeking, death wishes, and professional awareness-intervention material were very rare. An explorative analysis revealed that some videos relied on very fast cutting techniques. We provide tentative evidence that users may be exposed to purposefully inserted suicide-related subliminal messages (i.e., exposure to content without the user's conscious awareness). LIMITATIONS We only investigated the content of posts on one German hashtag, and the sample size was rather small. CONCLUSION Suicide prevention organizations may consider posting more awareness-intervention materials. Future research should investigate suicide-related subliminal messages in social media video posts. Although tentative, this finding should raise a warning flag for suicide prevention scholars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Arendt
- 1 Department of Communication Science and Media Research, University of Munich (LMU), Germany
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Arendt F, Scherr S, Niederkrotenthaler T, Till B. The role of language in suicide reporting: Investigating the influence of problematic suicide referents. Soc Sci Med 2018; 208:165-171. [PMID: 29730000 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although suicide experts recommend using neutral suicide referents in news media reporting, this recommendation has not yet been tested empirically. This recommendation, based on the empirically yet untested assumption that problematic suicide referents carry meaning that is inappropriate from a prevention perspective, may lead to a different perspective on suicide, termed "framing effects." For example, in German-speaking countries, the neutral term Suizid (suicide) is recommended. Conversely, Freitod ("free death") and Selbstmord ("self-murder") convey associative meanings related to problematic concepts such as free will (Freitod) and crime/murder (Selbstmord), and are therefore not recommended. METHOD Using a web-based randomized controlled trial focused on German speakers (N = 451), we tested whether the news media's use of Suizid, Selbstmord, and Freitod elicits framing effects. Participants read identical news reports about suicide. Only the specific suicide referents varied depending on the experimental condition. Post-reading, participants wrote short summaries of the news reports, completed a word-fragment completion test and a questionnaire targeting suicide-related attitudes. RESULTS We found that the news frame primed some frame-related concepts in the memory and also increased frame-related word choice. Importantly, we found that participants reading the free will-related Freitod frame showed greater attitudinal support for suicide among individuals suffering from incurable diseases. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of how the news media write about suicide and supports the language recommendations put forward by suicide experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Arendt
- Department of Communication Science and Media Research, University of Munich (LMU), Germany.
| | - Sebastian Scherr
- Leuven School for Mass Communication Research, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Till
- Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Ortiz P, Khin Khin E. Traditional and new media's influence on suicidal behavior and contagion. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2018; 36:245-256. [PMID: 29659071 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of nonfictional and fictional media in suicide contagion has been well established, ostensibly beginning with the publication of Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther in 1774. In recent decades, the emergence of several new forms of media (e.g. websites, social media, blogs, smartphone applications) has revolutionized the communication and social interaction paradigms. This article reviews "the Werther effect" (or suicide contagion related to media), special populations who are more influential or susceptible, current media reporting guidelines and their effectiveness, and the latest research on new media and its effect on suicide and suicide contagion. The aim is to update recommendations on how to mitigate the potential negative effects of both traditional and new media on suicidal behavior and suicide contagion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Ortiz
- George Washington University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eindra Khin Khin
- George Washington University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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50
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Sinyor M, Schaffer A, Heisel MJ, Picard A, Adamson G, Cheung CP, Katz LY, Jetly R, Sareen J. Media Guidelines for Reporting on Suicide: 2017 Update of the Canadian Psychiatric Association Policy Paper. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2018; 63. [PMID: 29513631 PMCID: PMC5846968 DOI: 10.1177/0706743717753147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper has been substantially revised by the Canadian Psychiatric Association's Research Committee and approved for republication by the CPA's Board of Directors on May 3, 2017. The original policy paper1 was developed by the Scientific and Research Affairs Standing Committee and approved by the Board of Directors on November 10, 2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sinyor
- 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- 2 Interim Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Head, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario; Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Vice-President, Education, International Society for Bipolar Disorders
| | - Marnin J Heisel
- 3 Associate Professor and Research Director (Psychiatry), Departments of Psychiatry and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario; Scientist, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario; Adjunct Faculty, University of Rochester Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Rochester, New York
| | - André Picard
- 4 Health Columnist, The Globe and Mail, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Gavin Adamson
- 5 Associate Professor, School of Journalism, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Christian P Cheung
- 6 Research Student, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Laurence Y Katz
- 7 Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- 8 Head, Centre of Excellence, Directorate of Mental Health, Canadian Armed Forces Health Services, Ottawa, Ontario; Chair, Military Mental Health, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario; Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - Jitender Sareen
- 9 Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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