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Ittefaq M, Ahmad Kamboh S, Iqbal A, Iftikhar U, Abwao M, Arif R. Understanding public reactions to state security officials' suicide cases in online news comments. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 47:499-508. [PMID: 35854472 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2101074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about public reactions to state security officials' suicide in Muslim countries like Pakistan. To explore readers' reactions in online comments, we analyzed 1,765 comments related to 10 news stories about suicide published in five mainstream English newspapers. The findings revealed six themes: stress, depression, and mental health issues; controversial investigation reports and misinformation; need for stronger accountability to address corruption in the country; criticizing media and security institutions; sympathy for the deceased and their families; and suicide and Islam. We recommend that suicide prevention organizations should monitor audience comments to devise and suggest resources for the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ittefaq
- School of Communication Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Azhar Iqbal
- School of Media and Communication Studies, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Urwah Iftikhar
- Department of Mass Communication, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mauryne Abwao
- Department of Arts and Media, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Rauf Arif
- Department of Mass Communication, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA
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Al-Zaman MS, Or Rashid MH. Social Media Users’ Reactions to Suicide. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2022.2044701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Sayeed Al-Zaman
- Department of Media and Technology Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Rosen G, Kreiner H, Levi-Belz Y. Public Response to Suicide News Reports as Reflected in Computerized Text Analysis of Online Reader Comments. Arch Suicide Res 2020; 24:243-259. [PMID: 30636527 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2018.1563578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has documented the rise in rates of suicidal behaviors following media reports of celebrity suicide. Whereas most research has focused on documenting and analyzing suicide rates, little is known about more subtle psychological effects of celebrity suicide on the public, such as despair and feelings of abandonment. The Internet has revolutionized the responses to news reports, enabling immediate and anonymous responses potentially reflecting these psychological processes. Thus, the current study explored the unique psychological impact of a celebrity suicide on the public by analyzing the big data of readers' comments to suicide news reports, using computational linguistics methods. Readers' comments (N = 14,506) to suicide news reports were retrieved from 4 leading online news sites. The comments were posted in response to 1 of 1 types of reports: a celebrity suicide (Robin Williams), a non-celebrity suicide, and general reports of suicide as a social phenomenon. LIWC software for computerized linguistic analysis was used to calculate the frequency of the various types of words used. Comparison of the responses to the 3 types of suicide reports revealed higher frequency of first-person pronouns and for emotionally charged words on comments to a celebrity suicide, compared with comments to the other types of suicide reports. The findings suggest that celebrity suicide news reports evoke the expression of positive emotions, possibly related to the venerated celebrity, alongside negative, internalized emotions, and feelings of social isolation. Theoretical, practical, and methodological implications are discussed.
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Roškar S, Tančič Grum A, Poštuvan V, Podlesek A, De Leo D. The adaptation and implementation of guidelines for responsible media reporting on suicide in Slovenia. Zdr Varst 2016; 56:31-38. [PMID: 28289461 PMCID: PMC5329783 DOI: 10.1515/sjph-2017-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The existing literature provides evidence of the link between media reporting and suicide in terms of either preventive or provocative effects. Hence, working with media representatives on responsible reporting on suicide is of great importance. Until recently in Slovenia, there has been an obvious lack of communication between media representatives and suicidologists. The aims of the present study were twofold; firstly, to introduce the adaptation and dissemination of intervention on responsible media reporting, and secondly, to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented intervention on suicide reporting. Methods We used a pre-post research design. Newspaper articles were retrieved over two 12-month periods: the baseline period and the follow-up period. In between, we had a year of implementation of our intervention program (launching and disseminating the Guidelines via workshops). Each retrieved article was rated qualitatively with respect to its adherence to the Guidelines. Results The comparison of baseline and follow-up periods revealed some significant differences. Reporting in the follow-up period was less sensationalistic, there was less reporting about specific cases of suicides and more about causes of suicide and pathways out of mental distress. Furthermore, in the follow-up period, there was a significant improvement related to headlines of media articles. Contact information about where to seek help was more often included in the articles. Conclusion The findings are promising, but working with the media needs to be continuous and ongoing if sustainable results are to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saška Roškar
- National Institute of Public Health, Department of Health Research, Trubarjeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Tančič Grum
- National Institute of Public Health, Department of Health Research, Trubarjeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Poštuvan
- University of Primorska, Andrej Marusic Institute, Slovene Center for Suicide Research & FAMNIT, Department of Psychology, Muzejski trg 2, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Anja Podlesek
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Askerceva 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Diego De Leo
- Griffith University, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, 176 Messines Ridge Road, Mt Gravatt Campus, QLD 4122, Australia
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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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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: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [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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Dasgupta N, Mandl KD, Brownstein JS. Breaking the news or fueling the epidemic? Temporal association between news media report volume and opioid-related mortality. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7758. [PMID: 19924221 PMCID: PMC2771898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historical studies of news media have suggested an association between reporting and increased drug abuse. Period effects for substance use have been documented for different classes of legal and illicit substances, with the suspicion that media publicity may have played major roles in their emergence. Previous analyses have drawn primarily from qualitative evidence; the temporal relationship between media reporting volume and adverse health consequences has not been quantified nationally. We set out to explore whether we could find a quantitative relationship between media reports about prescription opioid abuse and overdose mortality associated with these drugs. We assessed whether increases in news media reports occurred before or after increases in overdose deaths. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Our ecological study compared a monthly time series of unintentional poisoning deaths involving short-acting prescription opioid substances, from 1999 to 2005 using multiple cause-of-death data published by the National Center for Health Statistics, to monthly counts of English-language news articles mentioning generic and branded names of prescription opioids obtained from Google News Archives from 1999 to 2005. We estimated the association between media volume and mortality rates by time-lagged regression analyses. There were 24,272 articles and 30,916 deaths involving prescription opioids during the seven-year study period. Nationally, the number of articles mentioning prescription opioids increased dramatically starting in early 2001, following prominent coverage about the nonmedical use of OxyContin. We found a significant association between news reports and deaths, with media reporting preceding fatal opioid poisonings by two to six months and explaining 88% (p<0.0001, df 78) of the variation in mortality. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE While availability, structural, and individual predispositions are key factors influencing substance use, news reporting may enhance the popularity of psychoactive substances. Albeit ecological in nature, our finding suggests the need for further evaluation of the influence of news media on health. Reporting on prescription opioids conforms to historical patterns of news reporting on other psychoactive substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Dasgupta
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Unites States of America
| | - Kenneth D. Mandl
- Children's Hospital Informatics Program at Harvard–Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John S. Brownstein
- Children's Hospital Informatics Program at Harvard–Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Children, adolescents and young adults suicide data from Epirus, northwestern Greece. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2009; 5:269-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-009-9105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Lester D. The use of the Internet for counseling the suicidal individual: possibilities and drawbacks. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2009; 58:233-50. [PMID: 19320294 DOI: 10.2190/om.58.3.e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The role of the Internet in facilitating and preventing suicide is reviewed. Two online suicide prevention programs are described: SAHAR in Israel and Befrienders worldwide. Examples are provided of crisis intervention by e-mail. Finally, some caveats are presented based on experiences with crisis intervention by telephone.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lester
- Psychology Program, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona, NJ 08240-0195, USA.
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Krysinska KE, De Leo D. Telecommunication and suicide prevention: hopes and challenges for the new century. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2008; 55:237-53. [PMID: 18214070 DOI: 10.2190/om.55.3.e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Development of information technology has created new opportunities and challenges in suicide prevention, research, and clinical practice. This article presents an overview of the wide range of telecommunication-based suicide prevention approaches. Interventions using the Internet, telephone, and videoconferencing are discussed, including crisis intervention, referral, and support, suicide risk assessment, psychotherapy for individuals at risk, and online-based suicide prevention training and education. Research regarding effectiveness of telecommunication-based suicide prevention in various demographic and clinical populations is reviewed, as well as concerns regarding this type of intervention. Future areas of research and development in the use of telecommunication media in prevention of suicide are discussed.
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