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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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Hofstra E, Bakker M, Diepstraten CAM, Elfeddali I, Lucas MS, van Nieuwenhuizen C, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM. The Association Between Suicide-Related Media Coverage and Suicide: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 26:1094-1107. [PMID: 33275539 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2020.1851833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between the publication and content of suicide-related media reports and actual suicide in Noord Brabant, a province of the Netherlands. METHOD Between April 2017 and March 2018, a retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted on suicide-related media reports and incident data regarding suicides. Linear regression, Mann-Whitney U and negative binomial regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS In Noord-Brabant, a total of 352 people died from suicide during the observation period and 440 reports were identified by using the search terms "suicide", "self-killing", and "self-murder". No associations between media reports and actual suicides were found for any of the analyses performed. CONCLUSIONS No indications were found for an association between media coverage of suicide and increases or decreases in actual suicides in Noord-Brabant. The descriptive statistics of this study reveal that the regional and national Dutch media are doing well with respect to not including elements in their reports that could encourage copycat behavior, such as simplifying, romanticizing or dramatizing. They could improve on including protective content, for example, providing supportive background information. A recommendation for further research is to evaluate causal relationships between media and actual suicide. A stepped wedge trial might be needed, as this provides an ethical research design to investigate this issue in a controlled setting. Also, in such a study, other variables influencing the decision to attempt suicide should be taken into account as much as possible.
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Sinyor M, Hartman M, Zaheer R, Williams M, Pirkis J, Heisel MJ, Schaffer A, Redelmeier DA, Cheung AH, Kiss A, Niederkrotenthaler T. Differences in Suicide-Related Twitter Content According to User Influence. CRISIS 2022. [PMID: 35656646 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The content of suicide-specific social media posts may impact suicide rates, and putatively harmful and/or protective content may vary by the author's influence. Aims: This study sought to characterize how suicide-related Twitter content differs according to user influence. Method: Suicide-related tweets from July 1, 2015, to June 1, 2016, geolocated to Toronto, Canada, were collected and randomly selected for coding (n = 2,250) across low, medium, or high user influence levels (based on the number of followers, tweets, retweets, and posting frequency). Logistic regression was used to identify differences by user influence for various content variables. Results: Low- and medium-influence users typically tweeted about personal experiences with suicide and associations with mental health and shared morbid humor/flippant tweets. High-influence users tended to tweet about suicide clusters, suicide in youth, older adults, indigenous people, suicide attempts, and specific methods. Tweets across influence levels predominantly focused on suicide deaths, and few described suicidal ideation or included helpful content. Limitations: Social media data were from a single location and epoch. Conclusion: This study demonstrated more problematic content vis-à-vis safe suicide messaging in tweets by high-influence users and a paucity of protective content across all users. These results highlight the need for further research and potential intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maya Hartman
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Waterloo Regional Campus, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Rabia Zaheer
- Department of Education Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marissa Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Marnin J Heisel
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, 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, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald A Redelmeier
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy H Cheung
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Vienna, Austria
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Raj S, Ghosh A, Sharma B, Goel S. Do online media adhere to the responsible suicide reporting guidelines? A cross sectional study from India. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:44-54. [PMID: 33251923 DOI: 10.1177/0020764020975797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The content and nature of media reports could influence suicide prevention measures. AIM To evaluate contemporary online media reports' compliance with guidelines for responsible reporting of suicidal acts from Indian resources. METHODS We included English and Hindi articles for reports concerning suicide, published by local and national media sources for 30 consecutive days from the day of death of a celebrity by alleged suicide. The search was performed in Google News with predefined search queries and selection criteria. Two independent investigators did data extraction. Subsequently, each news report was assessed against guidelines for the responsible reporting of suicide by the WHO and the Press Council of India. RESULTS We identified 295 articles (Hindi n = 172, English n = 123). Results showed more than 80% of the media reports deviated from at least one criterion of the recommendations. A maximum breach was seen in the news article's headlines, sensational reportage and detailed suicide methods description. Significant differences were seen in the quality of English and Hindi reporting and reporting celebrity and noncelebrity suicide. Additional items revealed were reporting suicide pacts, linking multiple suicides in a single news report, allowing user-generated threads and linking Religion and suicide. CONCLUSION Measures are required to implement reporting recommendations in the framework of a national suicide prevention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Raj
- University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Abhishek Ghosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Babita Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sonu Goel
- School of Public Health and Department of Community Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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Walter K, Wathelet M, Valdenaire S, Grandgenèvre P, Pauwels N, Vaiva G, Notredame CE. A Short Media Training Session Is Effective in Reinforcing Psychiatrists' Communication Skills About Suicide. Front Psychol 2021; 12:733691. [PMID: 34603154 PMCID: PMC8481656 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.733691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Because it has been associated with significant increases [through the Werther Effect (WE)] or decreases [through the Papageno Effect (PE)] of suicide rates, media coverage of suicide-related events is recognized as a prevention leverage. Unfortunately, the recommendations that the World Health Organization (WHO) has published to help journalists reporting on suicide remain poorly applied. The Mini Media Training (MMT) is a short media training session designed to increase psychiatrists’ ability to communicate about suicide during interviews. We aimed at assessing the effect of the MMT on psychiatrists’ ability to help journalists complying with the WHO recommendations. From June 2017 to December 2019, 173 physicians and residents in psychiatry were recruited during French national congresses. At baseline (T0) and 1 and 3 months later (T1), participants received the MMT, which consisted in a simulated interview where they we asked to answer a journalist about a mock suicide. Communication skills were measured with a score summing the number of delivered pieces of advice in relation to the WHO recommendations, with a maximum score of 33. A weighted score was also derived based on the degree of directivity needed for the participant to provide these items, again with a possible maximum of 33. A total of 132 psychiatrists participated in the study at T0 and T1. Both the weighted and unweighted score significantly increased from T0 to T1 (d = +2.08, p < 0.001, and d = +1.24, p < 0.001, respectively). Having a history of contacts with journalists, a short professional experience (<3 years) and prior knowledge of the WE, PE, and WHO recommendations were significantly associated with greater unweighted and weighted scores at baseline. The latter two variables also predicted greater T0–T1 improvement of the weighted score. These results suggest that the MMT could be effective for improving the ability of psychiatrists to guide journalists toward more responsible media coverage of suicide. As a short, easy to implement educational activity, the MMT could therefore be considered in association with other measures to help media professionals mitigating the WE and promoting the PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Walter
- Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Lille, France.,Papageno Program, Lille, France
| | - Marielle Wathelet
- Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Lille, France.,Fédération Régionale de Recherche en Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale Hauts-de-France (F2RSM Psy), Saint-André, France.,Centre National de Ressources et Résilience pour les Psychotraumatismes (Cn2r), Lille, France.,PSY Lab, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Centre, INSERM U1172, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Pierre Grandgenèvre
- Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Lille, France.,Papageno Program, Lille, France
| | - Nathalie Pauwels
- Papageno Program, Lille, France.,Fédération Régionale de Recherche en Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale Hauts-de-France (F2RSM Psy), Saint-André, France
| | - Guillaume Vaiva
- Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Lille, France.,Centre National de Ressources et Résilience pour les Psychotraumatismes (Cn2r), Lille, France.,PSY Lab, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Centre, INSERM U1172, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Charles-Edouard Notredame
- Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Lille, France.,Papageno Program, Lille, France.,PSY Lab, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Centre, INSERM U1172, University of Lille, Lille, France
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6
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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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7
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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:ijerph18052396. [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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8
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Hjern A, Palacios J, Vinnerljung B, Manhica H, Lindblad F. Increased risk of suicidal behaviour in non-European international adoptees decreases with age - A Swedish national cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 29-30:100643. [PMID: 33305197 PMCID: PMC7710634 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-European international adoptees in Sweden were shown to have a three-to fourfold higher risk of suicidal behaviour in youth during 1986-1995 compared with the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this high risk persists beyond youth and in later cohorts. METHODS A register study of Swedish national cohorts born 1972-86 including 20 625 non-European international adoptees, and comparison populations of 10 915 non-European immigrants and 1 435 167 Swedish born was performed. The study population was followed from age 18 between 1991 and 2016, with suicide and hospital admissions due to suicide attempt as outcomes. Poisson regression models of person time in the study, adjusted for gender and household income at age 17, were fitted to calculate relative risks (RR). FINDINGS Adjusted RR for suicide in non-European international adoptees was high at age 18-22, 2·74 (95% C.I. 1·95-3·86), but decreased gradually to age 33-43 when the risk was similar to Swedish-born. Adjusted RR for suicide attempts in international adoptees was 2·33 (2·15-2·52) at age 18-22, decreased slightly with older age, but remained higher than Swedish born in all age-classes. Risks for both outcomes were greatest, around three times higher compared with the Swedish-born in the oldest birth cohorts of non-European international adoptees, born 1972-76. Risks for both suicidal outcomes increased with higher age at adoption. INTERPRETATION The risk of suicidal behaviour in non-European international adoptees in Sweden decreases with age and is lower in later birth cohorts and in infant adoptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Hjern
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Karolinska Institutet/Stockholm University, and Clinical Epidemiology/Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, S 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Corresponding author.
| | - Jesús Palacios
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Bo Vinnerljung
- Department of Social Work, Stockholm University, S 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helio Manhica
- Department of Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, S 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frank Lindblad
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Sinyor M, Williams M, Tran US, Schaffer A, Kurdyak P, Pirkis J, Niederkrotenthaler T. Suicides in Young People in Ontario Following the Release of "13 Reasons Why". CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2019; 64:798-804. [PMID: 31434503 PMCID: PMC6882071 DOI: 10.1177/0706743719870507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE "13 Reasons Why," a Netflix series, included a controversial depiction of suicide that has raised fears about possible contagion. Studies of youth suicide in the United States found an increase on the order of 10% following release of the show, but this has not been replicated in other countries. This study aims to begin to address that gap by examining the relationship between the show's release and youth suicide in Canada's most populous province. METHODS Suicides in young people (under the age of 30) in the province of Ontario following the show's release on March 31, 2017, were the outcome of interest. Time-series analyses were performed using data from January 2013 to March 2017 to predict expected deaths from April to December 2017 with a simple seasonal model (stationary R 2 = 0.732, Ljung-Box Q = 15.1, df = 16, P = 0.52, Bayesian information criterion = 3.09) providing the best fit/used for the primary analysis. RESULTS Modeling predicted 224 suicides; however, 264 were observed corresponding to 40 more deaths or an 18% increase. In the primary analysis, monthly suicides exceeded the 95% confidence limit for 3 of the 9 months (May, July, and October). CONCLUSION The statistical strength of the findings here is limited by small numbers; however, the results are in line with what has been observed in the United States and what would be expected if contagion were occurring. Further research in other locations is needed to increase confidence that the associations found here are causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marissa Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ulrich S Tran
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Kurdyak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Health Systems Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Vijayakumar
- Department of Psychiatry, VHS, SNEHA (suicide prevention agency), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.,Hon Associate Professor, Univeristy of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Hon Associate Professor, Univeristy of Griffith, Southport, Australia
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Roškar S, Berlot L, Malovrh J, Jurjević S, Podlesek A. Writing about suicide in graduation exam essays in Slovenia. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:669-676. [PMID: 31584352 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1671548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, senior year high school students in Slovenia wrote a graduation exam essay entitled "Suicide as an exit from the wheels of the system". Students had to explain the motives for suicide of the protagonists of two novels and take a stand on this action. We examined the relevant paragraphs of 142 essays. Negative attitudes prevailed towards suicide in general, but one quarter of students showed positive attitudes towards the protagonists' suicidal actions. A few students communicated their personal experience of hopelessness and revealed that they identified with the protagonists' suicidal behavior. Discussing suicide requires alertness for vulnerable individuals who should be offered help if needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saška Roškar
- Center for Health Research and Development, National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lina Berlot
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jana Malovrh
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sanja Jurjević
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Podlesek
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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12
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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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14
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Construction and Validation of an Analytical Grid about Video Representations of Suicide ("MoVIES"). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16152780. [PMID: 31382598 PMCID: PMC6696380 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Exposure to fictional suicide scenes raises concerns about the risk of suicide contagion. However, researchers and clinicians still lack empirical evidence to estimate this risk. Here, we propose a theory-grounded tool that measures properties related to aberrant identification and suicidal contagion of potentially harmful suicide scenes. Methods. The items of the Movies and Video: Identification and Emotions in reaction to Suicide (MoVIES) operationalize the World Health Organization’s recommendations for media coverage of suicide, and were adapted and completed with identification theory principles and cinematographic evidence. Inter-rater reliability (Cohen’s kappa) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) were estimated and optimized for two series of 19 and 30 randomly selected movies depicting a suicide scene. The validity of the scale in predicting identification with the suicidal character was tested in nine unknowledgeable participants who watched seven suicide movie scenes each. Results. The MoVIES indicated satisfying psychometric properties with kappas measured at 0.7 or more for every item and a global internal consistency of [α = 0.05]. The MoVIES score significantly predicted participants’ strength of identification independently from their baseline empathy ((β = 0.20), p < 0.05). Conclusions. The MoVIES is available to scholars as a valid, reliable, and useful tool to estimate the amount of at-risk components of fictional suicidal behavior depicted in films, series, or television shows.
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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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16
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Arendt F. Assessing responsible reporting on suicide in the nineteenth century: Evidence for a high quantity of low-quality news. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:305-312. [PMID: 31204892 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1626952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The press may have contributed to suicide as a mass phenomenon during the nineteenth century. There is limited knowledge on how the press reported on suicide. We utilized a content analysis of suicide news during the time period of suicide rate's strong increase in Austria (1855, 1865, 1875, 1885), assessing variables related to the responsible reporting on suicide (RRS). Analyses indicate that the press showed low levels of RRS and the quantity of low-quality reporting increased during the observation period. Although causal claims should be made with caution, the findings are consistent with the idea of a long-term Werther effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Arendt
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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17
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Ortiz SN, Forrest LN, Fisher TJ, Hughes M, Smith AR. Changes in Internet Suicide Search Volumes Following Celebrity Suicides. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2019; 22:373-380. [DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2018.0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Statistics, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - April R. Smith
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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18
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Phillips JG, Diesfeld K, Mann L. Instances of online suicide, the law and potential solutions. PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND LAW : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW 2019; 26:423-440. [PMID: 31984087 PMCID: PMC6762158 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2018.1506719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To understand the social and legal issues posed by suicide-related communications over the Internet (messages of threatened suicide and advocated suicide), this article examines a selection of cases involving different types of online baiting and harassment that illustrate different legal and technological issues. The anonymity afforded by computer-mediated communication allows bullies to harass vulnerable individuals and leak (disclose) their personal information. Computer mediation of communication potentially diffuses responsibility; imposes a temporal asynchrony between signified intent and audience response; and reduces the empathy that might motivate observers or witnesses to intervene and render assistance, factors that make online baiting a serious social, legal and technological problem. Potential actions (both legal and technological) for addressing this problem are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G. Phillips
- Psychology Department, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kate Diesfeld
- Department of Public Health, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Leon Mann
- Melbourne Melbourne School of Psychological Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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19
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Bachmann S. Epidemiology of Suicide and the Psychiatric Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1425. [PMID: 29986446 PMCID: PMC6068947 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 625] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a worldwide phenomenon. This review is based on a literature search of the World Health Organization (WHO) databases and PubMed. According to the WHO, in 2015, about 800,000 suicides were documented worldwide, and globally 78% of all completed suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Overall, suicides account for 1.4% of premature deaths worldwide. Differences arise between regions and countries with respect to the age, gender, and socioeconomic status of the individual and the respective country, method of suicide, and access to health care. During the second and third decades of life, suicide is the second leading cause of death. Completed suicides are three times more common in males than females; for suicide attempts, an inverse ratio can be found. Suicide attempts are up to 30 times more common compared to suicides; they are however important predictors of repeated attempts as well as completed suicides. Overall, suicide rates vary among the sexes and across lifetimes, whereas methods differ according to countries. The most commonly used methods are hanging, self-poisoning with pesticides, and use of firearms. The majority of suicides worldwide are related to psychiatric diseases. Among those, depression, substance use, and psychosis constitute the most relevant risk factors, but also anxiety, personality-, eating- and trauma-related disorders as well as organic mental disorders significantly add to unnatural causes of death compared to the general population. Overall, the matter at hand is relatively complex and a significant amount of underreporting is likely to be present. Nevertheless, suicides can, at least partially, be prevented by restricting access to means of suicide, by training primary care physicians and health workers to identify people at risk as well as to assess and manage respective crises, provide adequate follow-up care and address the way this is reported by the media. Suicidality represents a major societal and health care problem; it thus should be given a high priority in many realms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Bachmann
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Hauptstrasse 130, 9573 Littenheid, Switzerland.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University Halle (Saale), Julius-Kühn-Strasse 7, 6112 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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20
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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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Fink DS, Santaella-Tenorio J, Keyes KM. Increase in suicides the months after the death of Robin Williams in the US. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29415016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating suicides following the death of Robin Williams, a beloved actor and comedian, on August 11th, 2014, we used time-series analysis to estimate the expected number of suicides during the months following Williams' death. Monthly suicide count data in the US (1999-2015) were from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER). Expected suicides were calculated using a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving averages model to account for both the seasonal patterns and autoregression. Time-series models indicated that we would expect 16,849 suicides from August to December 2014; however, we observed 18,690 suicides in that period, suggesting an excess of 1,841 cases (9.85% increase). Although excess suicides were observed across gender and age groups, males and persons aged 30-44 had the greatest increase in excess suicide events. This study documents associations between Robin Williams' death and suicide deaths in the population thereafter.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Fink
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
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22
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Fink DS, Santaella-Tenorio J, Keyes KM. Increase in suicides the months after the death of Robin Williams in the US. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191405. [PMID: 29415016 PMCID: PMC5802858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating suicides following the death of Robin Williams, a beloved actor and comedian, on August 11th, 2014, we used time-series analysis to estimate the expected number of suicides during the months following Williams' death. Monthly suicide count data in the US (1999-2015) were from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER). Expected suicides were calculated using a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving averages model to account for both the seasonal patterns and autoregression. Time-series models indicated that we would expect 16,849 suicides from August to December 2014; however, we observed 18,690 suicides in that period, suggesting an excess of 1,841 cases (9.85% increase). Although excess suicides were observed across gender and age groups, males and persons aged 30-44 had the greatest increase in excess suicide events. This study documents associations between Robin Williams' death and suicide deaths in the population thereafter.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Fink
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Katherine M. Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
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23
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Scherr S, Arendt F, Schäfer M. Supporting Reporting: On the Positive Effects of Text- and Video-Based Awareness Material on Responsible Journalistic Suicide News Writing. Arch Suicide Res 2017; 21:646-658. [PMID: 27602541 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2016.1222975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a global public health problem. Media impact on suicide is well confirmed and there are several recommendations on how media should and should not report on suicide to minimize the risk of copycat behavior. Those media guidelines have been developed to improve responsible reporting on suicide (RRS). Although such guidelines are used in several countries, we lack empirical evidence on their causal effect on actual journalistic news writing. We conducted an experiment with journalism students (N = 78) in Germany in which we tested whether exposure to awareness material promoting RRS influences news writing. As a supplement to the widely used text-based material, we tested the impact of a video in which a suicide expert presents the guidelines. A video was used as a supplement to text partly due to its potential benefit for prevention efforts over the Internet. We chose a low-budget production process allowing easy reproduction in different countries by local suicide experts. In the experiment, participants were either exposed to written, audio-visual, or no awareness material. Afterwards, participants read numerous facts of an ostensible suicide event and were asked to write a factual suicide news story based on these facts. Analyses indicate that awareness material exposure helped to improve RRS with the awareness video showing the strongest effects. We recommend that suicide prevention should use instructive awareness videos about RRS complementary to text-based awareness material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Scherr
- a Department of Communication Studies and Media Research , LMU Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Florian Arendt
- a Department of Communication Studies and Media Research , LMU Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Markus Schäfer
- b Department of Communication , Johannes Gutenberg-University , Mainz , Germany
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24
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Quigley J, Rasmussen S, McAlaney J. The Associations Between Children's and Adolescents' Suicidal and Self-Harming Behaviors, and Related Behaviors Within Their Social Networks: A Systematic Review. Arch Suicide Res 2017; 21:185-236. [PMID: 27267251 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2016.1193075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Social influences-including the suicidal and self-harming behaviors of others-have been highlighted as a risk factor for suicidal and self-harming behavior in young people, but synthesis of the evidence is lacking. A systematic review of 86 relevant papers was conducted. Considerable published evidence was obtained for positive associations between young people's suicidal and self-harming behavior and that of people they know, with those reporting knowing people who had engaged in suicidal or self-harming behaviors more likely to report engaging in similar behaviors themselves. Findings are discussed in relation to a number of methodological and measurement issues-including the role of normative perceptions-and implications for the prevention of suicidal and self-harming behavior are considered.
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25
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Meindl JN, Ivy JW. Mass Shootings: The Role of the Media in Promoting Generalized Imitation. Am J Public Health 2017; 107:368-370. [PMID: 28103074 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2016.303611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Mass shootings are a particular problem in the United States, with one mass shooting occurring approximately every 12.5 days. Recently a "contagion" effect has been suggested wherein the occurrence of one mass shooting increases the likelihood of another mass shooting occurring in the near future. Although contagion is a convenient metaphor used to describe the temporal spread of a behavior, it does not explain how the behavior spreads. Generalized imitation is proposed as a better model to explain how one person's behavior can influence another person to engage in similar behavior. Here we provide an overview of generalized imitation and discuss how the way in which the media report a mass shooting can increase the likelihood of another shooting event. Also, we propose media reporting guidelines to minimize imitation and further decrease the likelihood of a mass shooting.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Meindl
- James N. Meindl is with the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN. Jonathan W. Ivy is with the Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg
| | - Jonathan W Ivy
- James N. Meindl is with the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN. Jonathan W. Ivy is with the Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg
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Jain N, Kumar S. Is suicide reporting in Indian newspapers responsible? A study from Rajasthan. Asian J Psychiatr 2016; 24:135-138. [PMID: 27931897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Media reporting has consistently been shown to influence suicidal behaviour. Irresponsible reporting by the media can lead to imitative suicidal behaviour. The WHO has delineated guidelines for responsible media reporting of suicide. The study aims to examine whether Indian newspapers adhere to the WHO guidelines and whether there are differences in style of reporting between local and national newspapers and between English and Hindi newspapers. METHODS The study was conducted on ten newspaper publications that were circulated in Jaipur, India from 1st October 2014 to 31st December 2014. All ten newspapers were screened daily for news items related to suicide. Each news item so obtained was studied in detail and then rated using a scale developed in India by psychiatrists and journalists. This scale is based on the WHO guidelines. RESULTS On an average a newspaper publishes one news item related to suicide every other day. Suicide reporting in Indian newspapers has a strong inclination towards sensationalism. No effort was made to include any educative material the reports. On the positive side most newspapers did not publish the photograph of deceased, or glorify the victims. The newspapers did not try to portray suicide as understandable and were largely neutral in their reporting. The reporting patterns were similar across regional and national newspapers as also across Hindi and English language newspapers. CONCLUSION Suicide reporting in India is largely irresponsible and efforts should be made to sensitise media personnel in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, Pt. B.D.S. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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Too LS, Pirkis J, Milner A, Bugeja L, Spittal MJ. Railway suicide clusters: how common are they and what predicts them? Inj Prev 2016; 23:328-333. [PMID: 27864309 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2016-042029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of studies have sought to detect clusters of all suicides, but few have sought to identify clusters of method-specific suicides. METHODS Data on railway suicides occurring in Victoria, Australia, between 2001 and 2012 were obtained from the National Coronial Information System. We used the Poisson discrete scan statistic to identify railway suicides that occurred close together in space and/or time. We then used a case-control design to compare clustered railway suicides with non-clustered railway suicides on a range of individual and neighbourhood factors. RESULTS We detected four spatial clusters that accounted for 35% of all railway suicides. Railway suicides by individuals who were hospitalised for mental illness had nearly double the odds of being in a cluster compared with those individuals who had never been hospitalised (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.18). Higher frequency train services were associated with increased odds of being in a cluster (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.19). No other predictors were associated with being in a cluster. CONCLUSIONS Railway suicides that occur in clusters warrant particular attention because of the ripple effect they can have for communities and the risk that they may lead to copycat acts. Railway suicide prevention strategies should consider the fact that these suicides can occur in clusters, particularly among individuals who had previous hospitalisations for mental illness or live in areas with high-frequency train services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay San Too
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allison Milner
- Deakin Population Health Strategic Research Centre, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lyndal Bugeja
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Peut-on faire du journaliste un acteur de la prévention du suicide ? Encephale 2016; 42:448-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2015.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Jegannathan B, Kullgren G, Dahlblom K. How do young people in Cambodia perceive the impact of societal attitudes, media and religion on suicidal behaviour? Int J Soc Psychiatry 2016; 62:114-22. [PMID: 26238990 DOI: 10.1177/0020764015597952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people in low and middle income countries (LMICs) in societal transitions with rapidly changing norms face an increased risk of suicide. This study explores how young people in Cambodia understand the impact on suicidal behaviour from societal attitudes, media and religion. MATERIAL Focus group discussions were held with school students from a suburban area. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. DISCUSSION Participants perceived the prevailing suicide-stigmatizing societal attitudes, the double-edged media and suicide-ambiguity in Buddhist religion as challenging. Globalization was recognized as contradicting with traditional Cambodian norms and values. CONCLUSION Suicide prevention programmes should take into consideration the complex picture of suicide that young people are exposed to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhoomikumar Jegannathan
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Chey Chumneas Referral Hospital, Takhmau, Cambodia Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Kullgren
- Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kjerstin Dahlblom
- Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Notredame CÉ, Pauwels N, Walter M, Danel T, Vaiva G. Le traitement médiatique du suicide : du constat épidémiologique aux pistes de prévention. Presse Med 2015; 44:1243-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2015.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Schäfer M, Quiring O. The Press Coverage of Celebrity Suicide and the Development of Suicide Frequencies in Germany. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2014; 30:1149-1158. [PMID: 25365759 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2014.923273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The existence of the so-called "Werther effect" is well confirmed, and there are several recommendations on how the media should (not) report suicide to minimize the risk of copycat behavior. Unfortunately, very little is known about how suicide is actually reported. The article examines the German press coverage of six celebrity suicides with respect to compliance with guidelines on suicide reporting and analyzes changes in suicides in the wake of the reporting. It concludes that German media do not respect the recommendations in a substantial number of their articles. In addition, a significant increase in suicides and similar suicides is found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schäfer
- a Department of Communication , Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
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Lee J, Lee WY, Hwang JS, Stack SJ. To what extent does the reporting behavior of the media regarding a celebrity suicide influence subsequent suicides in South Korea? Suicide Life Threat Behav 2014; 44:457-72. [PMID: 25041623 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the nature of media coverage of a national entertainer's suicide and its impact on subsequent suicides. After the celebrity suicide, the number of suicide-related articles reported surged around 80 times in the week after the suicide compared with the week prior. Many articles (37.1%) violated several critical items on the World Health Organization suicide reporting guidelines, like containing a detailed suicide method. Most gender and age subgroups were at significantly higher risk of suicide during the 4 weeks after the celebrity suicide. Results imply that massive and noncompliant media coverage of a celebrity suicide can cause a large-scale copycat effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- JeSuk Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
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Machlin A, Pirkis J, Spittal MJ. Which suicides are reported in the media - and what makes them "newsworthy"? CRISIS 2014; 34:305-13. [PMID: 23261917 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Media reporting of suicide has attracted public health attention because of its potential to trigger "copycat" acts. AIMS To determine the factors associated with an individual suicide featuring in the media. METHOD We identified from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS) all suicides that occurred in Australia over a 1-year period and established those that were reported in the Australian media using data from our earlier Media Monitoring Project. Available variables were used to examine factors associated with a suicide being reported in the media. RESULTS Of the 2,161 suicides, 29 were reported in the media. Suicides by younger individuals were particularly likely to be reported, as were suicides by gunshot and other violent methods, suicides in commercial areas (e.g., office buildings and hotels) and medical/residential facilities and other institutions (e.g., detention centers), and suicides that occurred in the context of multiple fatality events (e.g., homicide-suicides and suicide pacts). CONCLUSIONS Striking the right balance in terms of media reporting of suicide is crucial. The current study suggests that the reported suicides tend to be those that may either heighten the risk of lethal imitative behaviors or serve to distort public perceptions about suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Machlin
- Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.
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Ju Ji N, Young Lee W, Seok Noh M, Yip PSF. The impact of indiscriminate media coverage of a celebrity suicide on a society with a high suicide rate: epidemiological findings on copycat suicides from South Korea. J Affect Disord 2014; 156:56-61. [PMID: 24355649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the extent to which the indiscriminate media coverage of the famous young actress Lee Eun-ju's suicide in 2005 affected suicides overall and in specific subgroups (by age, gender, and suicide method) in a suicide-prone society, South Korea. METHODS South Korea's 2003-2005 suicide data (n=34,237) were obtained from death certificate records of the National Statistical Office (NSO). Data was analyzed with Poisson time series auto-regression models. RESULTS After adjusting for confounding factors (such as seasonal variation, calendar year, temperature, humidity, and unemployment rate), there was a significant increase in suicide (RR=1.40, 95%, CI=1.30-1.51, no. of excess mortalities=331; 95% CI=267-391) during the 4 weeks after Lee's suicide. This increase was more prominent in subgroups with similar characteristics to the celebrity. In particular, the relative risk of suicide during this period was the largest (5.24; 95% CI=3.31-8.29) in young women who used the same suicide method as the celebrity. Moreover, the incidence of these copycat suicides during the same time significantly increased in both genders and in all age subgroups among those who committed suicide using the same method as the celebrity (hanging). LIMITATIONS It is difficult to prove conclusively that the real motivation of the suicides was Lee's death. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study imply that, if the media indiscreetly reports the suicide of a celebrity in a suicide-prone society, the copycat effect can be far-reaching and very strong, particularly for vulnerable people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Ju Ji
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 156-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Weon Young Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 156-756, Republic of Korea.
| | - Maeng Seok Noh
- Department of Statistics, Pukyong National University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
| | - Paul S F Yip
- Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Abstract
There is a substantial literature which demonstrates that irresponsible reporting of suicide can lead to copycat acts and, as a result, many countries have developed guidelines for media professionals. Some of the recommendations in these guidelines draw directly on the evidence and describe how reporting can be done in a measured fashion that minimises any likely negative influence. Other recommendations relate more to good journalistic practice and are about showing respect for the bereaved in their time of grieving. The study by Chapple et al, in this issue, indicates that there may sometimes be tensions between what media guidelines recommend and what those bereaved by suicide believe is important. We would argue that in such cases common ground can be reached.
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Gibt es Hinweise auf einen „Enke-Effekt“? Die Presseberichterstattung über den Suizid von Robert Enke und die Entwicklung der Suizidzahlen in Deutschland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11616-013-0172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Suicide and media reporting: a longitudinal and spatial analysis. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2013; 48:427-35. [PMID: 22878833 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-012-0562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The impact of media reporting on copycat suicides has been well established in various cases of celebrity suicide. However, knowledge is limited about the spatial and temporal relationship between suicide death and media reporting over a long period of time. This study investigated the association of suicide deaths with suicide news in longitudinal and spatial dimensions. METHODS All suicides during 2003-2010 (n = 31,364) were included. Suicide news in the study period was retrieved from Google News, and included all available news media in Taiwan. Empirical mode decomposition was used to identify the main intrinsic oscillation, reflecting both major and minor suicide events, and time-dependent intrinsic correlation was used to quantify the temporal correlation between suicide deaths and suicide news. RESULTS The media reporting of suicide was synchronized with increased suicide deaths during major suicide events such as celebrity death, and slightly lagged behind the suicide deaths for 1 month in other periods without notable celebrity deaths. The means of suicide reported in the media diversely affected the suicide models. Reports of charcoal burning suicide exhibited an exclusive copycat effect on actual charcoal burning deaths, whereas media reports of jumping had a wide association with various suicide models. Media reports of suicide had a higher association with suicide deaths in urban than in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS This report suggested that a delayed effect of copycat suicide may exist in media reports of minor suicide events. The competitive reporting of minor suicide events must be avoided and addressed by media professionals.
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Fu KW, Chan CH. A study of the impact of thirteen celebrity suicides on subsequent suicide rates in South Korea from 2005 to 2009. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53870. [PMID: 23342026 PMCID: PMC3547049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of ecological studies have found a pattern of increasing suicide rates after suicides of several Asian entertainment celebrities. However, the finding may be subject to positive outcome bias where cases with no perceived impact may be routinely excluded. In this study, we deploy interrupted time-series analysis using ARIMA transfer function models to investigate systematically the impact of thirteen celebrity suicides on subsequent suicide rates in South Korea. We find that three out of eleven cases were found to be followed by a significant increase in suicide rate, while controlling for seasonality, secular trends, and unemployment rates. Such significant increases could last for nine weeks. Non-significance cases may be attributable to the small amount of media coverage, the “displacement” effect of preceding case, and the negative connotation of celebrity deaths. We therefore conclude that whether or not the impacts were detected may be largely conditioned by various contextual factors. Current evidence based on ecological studies is insufficient to draw a firm conclusion. Further studies using multiple approaches should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- King-wa Fu
- Journalism and Media Studies Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail:
| | - C. H. Chan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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[Characterization of News on Suicide in the Printed Press in Colombia]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 43 Suppl 1:12-8. [PMID: 26574109 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicide is a major public health problem. It is believed that the media plays an important role in the onset of suicidal behavior. Certain sub-groups of the population (for instance, young people or those suffering from depression) can be especially vulnerable to engage in imitative suicidal behaviors. OBJECTIVES To characterize news reports on suicide published in the printed press in Bogotá. To identify strategies, models or structures used in the print media (newspapers) to report suicide cases. To establish whether the way of reporting suicide cases is appropriate according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). MATERIALS AND METHODS A detailed search was performed to find news on suicide or suicide attempts published in three Colombian newspapers -2 of them with national circulation (El Espectador and El Tiempo), and one with local circulation (El Espacio)-, during the period between August 2009 and August 2011. Compliance with WHO recommendations by the 3 newspapers was compared using Fisher tests; the frequency of news release was assessed using statistical control charts, and headlines were evaluated by lexicometric analysis. RESULTS During the study period, a total of 135 items of news relating to cases occurring in Colombia were found. Although there were differences between the newspapers, none of them fully met the WHO recommendations. There was no clear trend in the way of presenting the news. Three styles were found in the presentation of news (suggestive, sensationalist, and revealing impact on survivors), which could be associated with each of the 3 newspapers evaluated.
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Cheng Q, Yip PS. Suicide news reporting accuracy and stereotyping in Hong Kong. J Affect Disord 2012; 141:270-5. [PMID: 22608053 PMCID: PMC7132416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mass media are often criticized for oversimplifying the causes of suicide and overlooking some of the risk factors. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support this assertion. The study aims to examine the accuracy of news reports in Hong Kong (HK) and in particular whether or not such reports stereotype victims according to gender and suicide method. METHODS Data from a case-control psychological autopsy (PA) study of 150 HK suicides were utilized. The reports of the PA cases from five major HK newspapers were collected and reviewed to identify whether or not there was a match in terms of the cases' profile and risk factors. RESULTS The age, gender, and method of the suicides were largely reported correctly (>70%) but accounts of risk factors were seldom accurate (<46%). No significant difference was found between tabloid- and non-tabloid-type newspapers' accuracy. Media stereotyping of gender-specific suicide and charcoal-burning suicide was identified. LIMITATIONS The study was based on a HK sample so the findings are not necessarily applicable elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS The HK mass media generally demonstrated poor accuracy in reporting suicide risk factors. Their reporting was also problematic in terms of stereotyping gender- and method-specific suicides. Clinical practitioners should be alerted to these findings when working with the media. They can also adopt this novel usage of PA data to extract further information from other PA studies and thereby broaden the investigation of reporting accuracy and stereotyping of suicide to more diverse social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijin Cheng
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul S.F. Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Corresponding author at: The HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, 2/F, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Building for Interdisciplinary Research, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. Tel.: + 852 2831 5190; fax: + 852 2549 7161.
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Sisask M, Mark L, Värnik A. Internet comments elicited by media portrayal of a familicide-suicide case. CRISIS 2012; 33:222-9. [PMID: 22450037 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Events of extraordinary violence attract media attention. Recently, much media reporting has moved to the Internet, giving readers the possibility to comment online. AIMS To analyze the content of public cognitions and the emotional tonality of attitudes expressed in spontaneous Internet comments on a familicide-suicide case reported in the Estonian media. METHODS A content analysis is based on the comments of 6,333 readers following media coverage. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis. RESULTS Of all comments, 27.6% were without manifest content. Manifest content categories were "value judgments" (35.2%), "risk and protective factors" (27.2%), and "critics of media portrayal" (10.0%). As to emotional tonality, the comments were most often angry (34.5%), ironic (24.7%), or neutral (23.3%). "Critics of media portrayal" had the most clearly pronounced emotional tonality, the majority being angry or approving. Comments about "value judgments" were most frequently anguished. CONCLUSIONS An analysis of Internet comments can provide valuable information about value judgments and attitudes in society. From an ethical and preventive perspective, similar homicide and suicide stories should not be open for unmoderated public discussion. Nevertheless, the study represents an original methodological approach for such research and also provides some guidance for public relations campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merike Sisask
- Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute (ERSI), Estonian Center of Behavioral & Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia.
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Jeong J, Shin SD, Kim H, Hong YC, Hwang SS, Lee EJ. The effects of celebrity suicide on copycat suicide attempt: a multi-center observational study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2012; 47:957-65. [PMID: 21656079 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-011-0403-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of celebrity suicides on copycat suicide attempts is not well known. Our objective was to determine the association between celebrity suicide and copycat suicide attempts. METHODS We conducted a retrospective multicenter observational time series analysis. Celebrity suicides were selected by an operational definition via three nationwide television news internet sites from January 2005 to December 2008. The reference week was defined as the week preceding date of suicide notification to the public. Then two pre-event weeks and four post-event weeks were analyzed for suicide attempts. We derived a prediction model for suicide attempt visits for each ED for these seven observational weeks using a General Additive Model with data from the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) database. We calculated the mean excess visit (EV = observed visit - expected visit) and mean excess visit ratio (EVR = EV/expected visit). We tested the mean EV and EVR between reference weeks versus the observational weeks using independent t test and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS Five celebrity suicides occurred during the study period. Total number of ED visits was 5,453,441 in the 85 EDs over the 4-year period, and suicide attempt or self-injury occurred in 27,605. The mean excess visit for each observational interval per ED was less than 0.1 during pre-event periods but increased to 0.695 in the second post-event week. EVs were significantly higher in the first to the third post-event weeks (p = 0.02, p < 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively) compared to reference week. The mean EVRs were significantly higher (=0.215) in the second post-week intervals compared with the reference week (p = 0.03). Mean EVs and mean EVRs showed significant increase in the post event period compared with the observational period (p = 0.001 in EV, p = 0.021 in EVR). CONCLUSION From a prediction model using a 4-year nationwide ED database, ED visits for suicide attempts or self injury increased following the announcements of celebrity suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Jeong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehakro, Chongno-Gu, Seoul, 110-744, Korea.
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Luxton DD, June JD, Fairall JM. Social media and suicide: a public health perspective. Am J Public Health 2012; 102 Suppl 2:S195-200. [PMID: 22401525 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2011.300608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the Internet and social media can influence suicide-related behavior. Important questions are whether this influence poses a significant risk to the public and how public health approaches might be used to address the issue. To address these questions, we provide an overview of ways that social media can influence suicidal behavior, both negatively and positively, and we evaluate the evidence of the risk. We also discuss the legal complexities of this important topic and propose future directions for research and prevention programs based on a public health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Luxton
- National Center for Telehealth and Technology, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431, USA.
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Skehan J, Greenhalgh S, Hazell T, Pirkis J. Reach, Awareness and Uptake of Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide and Mental Illness: An Australian Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/14623730.2006.9721749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Sisask M, Värnik A. Media roles in suicide prevention: a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:123-38. [PMID: 22470283 PMCID: PMC3315075 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current systematic review was to monitor and provide an overview of the research performed about the roles of media in suicide prevention in order to find out possible effects media reporting on suicidal behaviours might have on actual suicidality (completed suicides, attempted suicides, suicidal ideation). The systematic review was performed following the principles of the PRISMA statement and includes 56 articles. Most of the studies support the idea that media reporting and suicidality are associated. However, there is a risk of reporting bias. More research is available about how irresponsible media reports can provoke suicidal behaviours (the 'Werther effect') and less about protective effect media can have (the 'Papageno effect'). Strong modelling effect of media coverage on suicide is based on age and gender. Media reports are not representative of official suicide data and tend to exaggerate sensational suicides, for example dramatic and highly lethal suicide methods, which are rare in real life. Future studies have to encounter the challenges the global medium Internet will offer in terms of research methods, as it is difficult to define the circulation of news in the Internet either spatially or in time. However, online media can provide valuable innovative qualitative research material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merike Sisask
- Central Behavior & Health Science, Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute (ERSI), 39 Õie, Tallinn 11615, Estonia;
- Institute of Social Work, Tallinn University, 25 Narva mnt, Tallinn 10120, Estonia
| | - Airi Värnik
- Central Behavior & Health Science, Estonian-Swedish Mental Health and Suicidology Institute (ERSI), 39 Õie, Tallinn 11615, Estonia;
- Institute of Social Work, Tallinn University, 25 Narva mnt, Tallinn 10120, Estonia
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The railway suicide death of a famous German football player: impact on the subsequent frequency of railway suicide acts in Germany. J Affect Disord 2012; 136:194-198. [PMID: 22036798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2011.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The railway suicide of Robert Enke, an internationally respected German football goal keeper, sent shockwaves throughout the world of football. We analyzed its impact on the frequency of subsequent railway suicide acts (RS). METHODS Two analytic approaches were performed applying German Railway Event database Safety (EDS) data: first, an inter-year approach comparing the incidence of RS during a predefined "index period" with identical time windows in 2006 to 2008; second, an intra-year approach comparing the number of RS 28 days before and after the incidence. To analyze a possible "compensatory deficit", the number of RS in the subsequent first quarter of 2010 was compared with the identical time windows in the preceding three years. Incidence ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated by Poisson regression. Findings were controlled for temperature. FINDINGS Compared to the preceding three years, the incidence ratio (IR) of the number of RS in the index period increased by 1.81 (1.48-2.21; p<0.001), leading to an overall percentage change of 81% (48-121%; p<0.001). Comparing the number of suicides 28 days before and after the incidence revealed an even more pronounced increase of IR (2.2; 1.6-3.0). No modifications of these associations were observed by daytime, by location of the suicide and fatality. No compensatory deficit occurred in the post-acute period. INTERPRETATION The substantial increase of RS in the aftermath of the footballer's suicide death brought about copycat behavior in an unforeseen amount, even though the media reporting was largely sensitive and preventive measures were taken.
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Pouliot L, Mishara BL, Labelle R. The Werther effect reconsidered in light of psychological vulnerabilities: results of a pilot study. J Affect Disord 2011; 134:488-96. [PMID: 21621270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2011.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Findings from three decades of epidemiological studies suggest that media diffusion of stories about suicide is related to increases in suicidal behaviours in the population exposed to the media reports. However, we still know little about the psychological processes and personal vulnerabilities that prompt some people to engage in suicidal behaviours after exposure to media presentations of suicides. This cross-sectional study explored the possible impact of exposure to film suicide in normal young people. METHODS Undergraduates from a university (mean age 23 years) completed a questionnaire on exposure to suicide portrayal in fictional films, in which assessment of negative emotional and cognitive reactions resulting from exposure, as well as emotional reactivity, dissociation, thought suppression, and suicidal tendencies were made. RESULTS Of the 101 participants, 70% reported being distressed by the portrayal of a suicide in a fictional film. Among those, 33% stated they felt distressed about the portrayal for several days to several weeks. The majority of the affected participants (71%) indicated having been mentally preoccupied for some time by the portrayal and experienced intrusive memories (68%). Emotional reactivity and dissociation tendencies were significant predictors of the negative reactions to the suicide film they viewed. Participants who reported that the idea had crossed their mind to imitate the suicidal protagonist in the film were 3.45 times more likely to be suicidal and tended to present higher dissociation and thought suppression propensities compared to those who did not report these thoughts. LIMITATIONS The results showing possible influences of suicide portrayal in fictional film on suicide related cognitions were based on a survey methodology. CONCLUSION Results suggest that fictional suicide portrayals in the media may have a deleterious impact on viewers, and such impacts do not appear to be limited to people having a clinical profile of mental disorders, as previously assumed by researchers in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Pouliot
- Center for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia, Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Tatum PT, Canetto SS, Slater MD. Suicide coverage in U.S. newspapers following the publication of the media guidelines. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2010; 40:524-34. [PMID: 21034215 PMCID: PMC3015096 DOI: 10.1521/suli.2010.40.5.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A nationally representative sample of 968 local and national newspapers was examined to determine whether the 2001 U.S. media guidelines were followed in articles published in 2002-2003, and featuring individual cases of suicidal behavior (N = 157). We found that, during this period of time, U.S. newspaper suicide coverage did not consistently reflect the influence of the media guidelines. On the positive side, only 19% of stories included inappropriate imagery. On the negative side, suicide stories often detailed suicide method (56% of stories) and location (58%), and rarely provided information about warning signs and risk factors (1%), the roles of depression (4%) and alcohol (2%), and prevention resources (6%). Our findings, together with previous evidence, suggest the need for sustained dialogue with the media about suicide reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip T Tatum
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
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Auxéméry Y, Fidelle G. Impact d’Internet sur la suicidalité. À propos d’une « googling study » sur la rétro-information médiatique d’un pacte suicidaire échafaudé sur le Web. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2009.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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