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Ju Y, Scherr S, Prieler M. How Do Recommended Elements in Suicide News Coverage Work? An Investigation of the Effect of Responsible Reporting and Readers' Reflectiveness on Suicide Prevention. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:1899-1905. [PMID: 37599263 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2247154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
To examine the effect of positive elements in suicide reporting guidelines, we assessed how responsible reporting on suicide (RRS) affect cognitive and intentional responses. We also investigated the moderating role of audience reflectiveness in news processing. Here, 308 individuals participated in a single-factor between-subject experiment conducted in South Korea. We manipulated the number of positive RRS features in news articles by adding suicide statistics, contact information for helplines, and efficacy-enforcing information. Overall, news articles containing multiple RRS elements had a stronger impact on behavioral intentions to help others in a suicidal crisis than a basic news article without RRS elements. Interestingly, reflectiveness had a stronger influence on individuals who read a suicide news report having the most RRS elements relative to those who read suicide news without any RRS elements, signifying an indirect impact of suicide news on intentions to help. The implications of this RRS effect identified are discussed in terms of suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastian Scherr
- Center for Interdisciplinary Health Research, University of Augsburg
- Department of Media, Knowledge, and Communication, University of Augsburg
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Ju Y, Scherr S, Arendt F, You M, Prieler M. Little Strokes Fell Big Oaks: How Repeated Recommendations for Suicide Reporting Drive the Quality of Suicide News in South Korea. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241228007. [PMID: 38247392 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241228007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates how far repeated releases of recommendations for responsible reporting on suicide (RRS) are associated with changes in the quality of suicide reporting. A content analysis was conducted on suicide news articles (N = 606) by the Korean newspapers Hankyoreh Sinmun and Chosun Ilbo in four six-month periods from 2004 to 2019, which covered the periods before and after the releases of three versions of suicide reporting guidelines. Elements for RRS served as a proxy for the reporting quality, which includes both avoiding negative elements and providing positive ones. Not only the number of suicide news stories reduced by half in the last two observation periods, overall RRS scores and most individual RRS elements increased in the third period, compared to the first or second period. The avoidance RRS for headline, however, was not significantly improved. Korean news media also tended to be sensationalistic in using photos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngkee Ju
- The Media School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Sebastian Scherr
- Center for Interdisciplinary Health Research, Department of Media, Knowledge, and Communication, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Communication & Journalism, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Florian Arendt
- Department of Communication, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Myoungsoon You
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Sorensen CC, Lien M, Harrison V, Donoghue JJ, Kapur JS, Kim SH, Tran NT, Joshi SV, Patel SG. The Tool for Evaluating Media Portrayals of Suicide (TEMPOS): Development and Application of a Novel Rating Scale to Reduce Suicide Contagion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2994. [PMID: 35270688 PMCID: PMC8910134 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that media adherence to suicide reporting recommendations in the aftermath of a highly publicized suicide event can help reduce the risk of imitative behavior, yet there exists no standardized tool for assessing adherence to these standards. The Tool for Evaluating Media Portrayals of Suicide (TEMPOS) allows media professionals, researchers, and suicide prevention experts to assess adherence to the recommendations with a user-friendly, standardized rating scale. An interdisciplinary team of raters constructed operational definitions for three levels of adherence to each of the reporting recommendations and piloted the scale on a sample of articles to assess reliability and clarify scale definitions. TEMPOS was then used to evaluate 220 news articles published during a high-risk period following the suicide deaths of two public figures. Post-hoc analyses of the results demonstrated how data produced by TEMPOS can be used to inform research and public health efforts, and inter-rater reliability analyses revealed substantial agreement across raters and criteria. A novel, wide-reaching, and practical approach to suicide prevention, TEMPOS allows researchers, suicide prevention professionals, and media professionals to study how adherence varies across contexts and can be used to guide future efforts to decrease the risk of media-induced suicide contagion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Chang Sorensen
- Depression Clinical & Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mego Lien
- Suicide Prevention Program, County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (M.L.); (J.J.D.)
| | - Vicki Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.S.K.); (S.H.K.); (S.V.J.)
| | - John J. Donoghue
- Suicide Prevention Program, County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (M.L.); (J.J.D.)
| | - Jeevanjot Singh Kapur
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.S.K.); (S.H.K.); (S.V.J.)
| | - Song Hi Kim
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.S.K.); (S.H.K.); (S.V.J.)
| | - Nhi Thi Tran
- Center for Care Innovations, Oakland, CA 94612, USA;
| | - Shashank V. Joshi
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.S.K.); (S.H.K.); (S.V.J.)
| | - Sita G. Patel
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA;
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Menon V, Kar SK, Ransing R, Sharma G, Pattnaik JI, Kaliamoorthy C, Varadharajan N, Mukherjee S, Agrawal A, Padhy SK, Arafat SY. Changing trends in quality of media reporting of suicide in the community following a celebrity suicide in India. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:81-90. [PMID: 33938292 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211009618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about changes in quality of media reporting of suicide in the community following a celebrity suicide. Our objective was to compare trends in quality of media reporting of suicide, before and after the suicide of an Indian entertainment celebrity, against the World Health Organization suicide reporting guidelines. METHOD Online news portals of English and local language newspapers, as well as television channels, were searched to identify relevant suicide-related news articles. Comparison of reporting characteristics before and after the celebrity suicide was performed using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS A total of 3867 eligible news reports were retrieved. There was a significant increase in harmful reporting characteristics, such as reporting the name, age and gender of the deceased (p < 0.001 for all comparisons), mentioning the location (p < 0.001) and reason for suicide (p = 0.04) and including photos of the deceased (p = 0.002) following the celebrity suicide. Helpful reporting practices were less affected; there was a significant rise in inclusion of expert opinion (p = 0.04) and mention of suicide-related warning signs (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Following a celebrity suicide, significant changes in the quality of media reporting of suicide were noted with an increase in several potentially harmful reporting characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Ramdas Ransing
- Department of Psychiatry, B.K.L. Walawalkar Rural Medical College, Ratnagiri, India
| | - Ginni Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Charanya Kaliamoorthy
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Natarajan Varadharajan
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | | | - Aditya Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Susanta Kumar Padhy
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sm Yasir Arafat
- Department of Psychiatry, Enam Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Walling MA. Suicide Contagion. CURRENT TRAUMA REPORTS 2021; 7:103-114. [PMID: 34931156 PMCID: PMC8674834 DOI: 10.1007/s40719-021-00219-9] [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] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Suicide is a serious healthcare concern worldwide. In the USA, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death prior to 2020 when it was displaced as a result of the death toll from COVID-19. RECENT FINDINGS Suicide behavior is the result of the interaction between the individual's predisposing factors and precipitating factors. A recognized precipitating factor is the knowledge of the suicidal act of another, termed suicide contagion. Another precipitating factor is the physiological impact of an acute inflammatory response to disease, for example that seen in patients with COVID-19. SUMMARY Risk identification of persons at increased risk for suicidal actions is an essential goal in medical care so that protective measures can be employed to prevent suicide.
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Shin Y, Lee CJ, Kim K. Communication about Suicide, Perceived Social Support, and Suicidal Intention in Korean Adults. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:480-490. [PMID: 34402395 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1962435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates indirect effects of communication about suicide in interpersonal relationships and patient-provider relationships on suicidal intention via attitude, descriptive norm, injunctive norm, and self-efficacy in committing suicide among Korean adults, using longitudinal survey data. Moderation effects of perceived social support are also tested. As a result of path analysis (N = 984), communication about suicide with family, friends, and coworkers is significantly related to pro-suicide descriptive norm and pro-suicide injunctive norm. Positive attitude toward suicide, pro-suicide injunctive norm, and high self-efficacy in committing suicide are significantly related to suicidal intention. Interpersonal communication is positively related to pro-suicide injunctive norm, which in turn links to suicidal intention. Communication about suicide with healthcare professionals, however, did not show significant direct and indirect effects. Moderation effects of perceived social support are detected between interpersonal communication and pro-suicide attitude and pro-suicide injunctive norm, as well as between patient-provider communication and pro-suicide attitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- YoungJu Shin
- Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
| | - Chul-Joo Lee
- Department of Communication, Seoul National University, Seoul South Korea
| | - Kwanho Kim
- Anneberg School of Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States
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Olibamoyo O, Ola B, Coker O, Adewuya A, Onabola A. Trends and patterns of suicidal behaviour in Nigeria: Mixed-methods analysis of media reports from 2016 to 2019. S Afr J Psychiatr 2021; 27:1572. [PMID: 33824754 PMCID: PMC8008030 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v27i0.1572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Media coverage of suicides in Nigeria appears to be explicitly descriptive and deviates from the recommended best practice. Despite these shortcomings, verifiable information provided by these media outlets could arguably, at the minimum, mirror the reality of the trends and patterns of suicidal behaviour in Nigeria. AIM This study aimed to analyse the trends and patterns of suicidal behaviour in Nigeria using media reports from 2016 to 2019. We examined the effect of gender and age groups on these trends and patterns of suicidal behaviour. SETTING The study was carried out in Nigeria. METHODS Qualitative content analysis was used to assess the content of each verifiable suicide event. In total, 336 verified suicide-related events were selected from 4365 media reports. Quantitative data were collected on age, gender, type of suicidal behaviour, method, place and motivation for suicidal behaviour. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Fisher's exact test was used to examine the association between gender, age groups and other variables. p-value was set at ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Completed suicide was the most common reported suicidal behaviour. Hanging was the dominant reported method, followed by poisoning. Significant gender differences were observed between age groups (p < 0.001) and methods of suicidal behaviour (p < 0.001). Also, significant age differences were observed between the methods of suicidal behaviour (p < 0.001), places (p < 0.001) and motivations for suicidal behaviour (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The study confirms that there are gender and age differences in the trends and patterns of suicidal behaviour in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olushola Olibamoyo
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bolanle Ola
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olurotimi Coker
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun Adewuya
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
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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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Domaradzki J. The Werther Effect, the Papageno Effect or No Effect? A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2396. [PMID: 33804527 PMCID: PMC7967741 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines the association between media reporting on suicides and the subsequent suicides. Scientific papers from two online bibliographic sources Medline (PubMed) and PsycINFO were searched. The sample included 108 research papers examining the impact of different types of media stories on suicides. The review revealed that although the media can be a double-edged sword and serve both as a risk and a protective factor, the vast majority of research suggests that the relationship between the media reporting and the actual suicide rates is causal and real. Moreover, both the quantity and the quality of media reporting may trigger additional suicides in society. Simultaneously, research suggests that especially non-fictional presentations of celebrities' suicides in newspapers and on television news have the biggest influence on the subsequent suicides. Additionally, a strong modelling effect of media reporting on suicide is based on nationality, age, and gender. However, research shows that because a negative reporting style can be modifiable and improved, the media can also have an educative or preventive effect and can reduce the risk of contagion. Consequently, it is important to monitor the implementation of media recommendations for the reporting of suicide, and continuous education of reporters is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, ul. Rokietnicka 7, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
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Hedman-Robertson AS, Sage SK. Celebrity Suicide. CRISIS 2020; 42:418-424. [PMID: 33241738 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000734] [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: Increased suicides following media coverage of celebrities' suicide deaths have been documented in several countries. Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide were published to provide guidance for media professionals when covering suicide. Research indicates guidelines have been poorly followed. Aim: We aimed to determine whether the recommendations were similarly observed when studying two online news organizations' coverage of a celebrity's suicide. Method: In the 3 days following a high-profile celebrity's death, two US cable networks' news websites were studied to compare how the death was reported. Online articles were reviewed using a coding rubric organized by six themes and 21 coding categories. Results: Between the two organizations, 34 articles were published. Regarding the recommendations, neither source followed all of the recommendations, as measured in this study. Source A fared better in providing help-seeking information. Limitations: Only two news organizations were studied for a 3-day period. Online videos, print articles, and social media were excluded. Conclusion: The suicide of a celebrity received repetitive media coverage with little emphasis on prevention or help-seeking. The recommendations were not consistently followed by the two news websites included in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Hedman-Robertson
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Morrison Family College of Health, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Starr K Sage
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Morrison Family College of Health, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Edwards T, Torok M, McGillivray L, Ford T, Mok K, Li E, Larsen ME. Social Media Responses to Online Suicide-Related News Articles. CRISIS 2020; 42:309-313. [PMID: 33034521 PMCID: PMC8689662 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Responsible media reporting of suicide is important to prevent contagion effects. Online media reporting is increasingly becoming the primary source of news information for many people. Aims: This study aimed to assess compliance with responsible media reporting guidelines, and whether social media responses were associated with compliance. Method: A random sample of Australian digital news articles over a 9-month period were coded for compliance to Mindframe suicide reporting guidelines. Social media responses (number of shares and number of comments) were collected via Facebook. Results: From the sample of 275 articles, articles were compliant with a median of seven of the nine recommendations. Articles compliant with more than seven recommendations were shared more frequently (median: 93 vs. 38 shares, p = .017) but no difference was observed in the number of comments (median: 0 vs. 0, p = .340). Limitations: Other factors associated with individual events and articles are also likely to contribute to the response on social media. Although no difference in the number of comments was observed, the nature of these comments may differ. Conclusion: Improved understanding of how to maximize dissemination of positive messages may help minimize contagion effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiana Edwards
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle Torok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Trent Ford
- Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katherine Mok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Li
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark E Larsen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Armstrong G, Vijayakumar L, Cherian AV, Krishnaswamy K. "It's a battle for eyeballs and suicide is clickbait": The media experience of suicide reporting in India. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239280. [PMID: 32956423 PMCID: PMC7505452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Suicide rates in India are among the highest in the world, equating to over 200,000 suicide deaths annually. Crime reports of suicide incidents routinely feature in the Indian mass media, with minimal coverage of suicide as a broader public health issue. To supplement our recently published content analysis study, we undertook qualitative interviews to examine media professionals' perspectives and experiences in relation to media reporting of suicide-related news in India. Materials and methods In 2017–18, semi-structured qualitative interviews with twenty-eight print media and television media professionals with experience reporting on suicide-related news were undertaken across north (New Delhi and Chandigarh) and south (Chennai) India. A semi-structured interview guide was designed to initiate discussions around; 1) perspectives on why suicide incidents are regularly reported on by mass media in India, 2) a description of experiences and processes of covering suicide incidents on the crime beat; and 3) perspectives on the emergence of health reporter coverage of suicide. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed. A deductive and inductive thematic analytic approach was used, supported by the use of NVivo. Results Suicides were typically seen as being highly newsworthy and of interest to the audience, particularly the suicides of high-status people and those who somewhat matched the middle-class profile of the core audience. Socio-cultural factors played a major role in determining the newsworthiness of a particular incident. The capacity to link a suicide incident to compelling social narratives, potentially detrimental social/policy issues, and placing the suicide as a form of protest/martyrdom increased newsworthiness. Reporters on the crime beat worked in close partnership with police to produce routine and simplified incident report-style coverage of suicide incidents, with the process influenced by: informal police contacts supporting the crime beat, the speed of breaking news, extremely tight word limits and a deeply fraught engagement with bereaved family members. It was articulated that a public health and/or mental health framing of suicide was an emerging perspective, which sought to focus more on broader trends and suicide prevention programs rather than individual incidents. Important challenges were identified around the complexity of adopting a mental health framing of suicide, given the perceived pervasive influence of socioeconomic and cultural issues (rather than individual psychopathology) on suicide in India. Conclusions Our findings delve into the complexity of reporting on suicide in India and can be used to support constructive partnerships between media professionals and suicide prevention experts in India. Policymakers need to acknowledge the socio-cultural context of suicide reporting in India when adapting international guidelines for the Indian media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Armstrong
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Lakshmi Vijayakumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Voluntary Health Services, Chennai, India
- SNEHA Suicide Prevention Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Anish V. Cherian
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
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Menon V, Kar SK, Varadharajan N, Kaliamoorthy C, Pattnaik JI, Sharma G, Mukherjee S, Shirahatti NB, Ransing R, Padhy SK, Arafat SMY. Quality of media reporting following a celebrity suicide in India. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020; 44:e133-e140. [PMID: 32939538 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Celebrity suicides have the potential to trigger suicide contagion, particularly when media reporting is detailed and imbalanced. We aimed to assess the quality of media reporting of suicide of a popular Indian entertainment celebrity against the World Health Organization (WHO) suicide reporting guidelines. METHODS Relevant news articles that reported the actor's suicide were retrieved from online news portals of regional and English language newspapers and television channels in the immediate week following the event. Deductive content analysis of these articles was done using a pre-designed data extraction form. RESULTS A total of 573 news articles were analyzed. Several breaches of reporting were noted in relation to mentioning the word 'celebrity' in the title of report (14.7%), inclusion of the deceased's photograph (88.5%), detailed descriptions of the method (50.4%) and location of suicide (70.6%); local language newspapers were more culpable than English newspapers. Helpful reporting characteristics such as mentioning warning signs (4.1%), including educational information (2.7%) and suicide support line details (14.0%) were rarely practiced. CONCLUSION Media reporting of celebrity suicide in India is imbalanced and poorly adherent to suicide reporting recommendations. Local language news reports display more frequent and serious violations in reporting as opposed to English news articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry 605006, India
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Natarajan Varadharajan
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry 605006, India
| | - Charanya Kaliamoorthy
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry 605006, India
| | - Jigyansa Ipsita Pattnaik
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar 751019, Odisha, India
| | - Ginni Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Srijeeta Mukherjee
- Department of Psychiatry, MKCG Medical College, Brahmapur 760004, Odisha, India
| | - Nikhilesh B Shirahatti
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ramdas Ransing
- Department of Psychiatry, BKL Walalwalkar Rural Medical College, Ratnagiri 415606, Maharashtra, India
| | - Susanta Kumar Padhy
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar 751019, Odisha, India
| | - S M Yasir Arafat
- Department of Psychiatry, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka 1340, Bangladesh
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Anomie or imitation? The Werther effect of celebrity suicides on suicide rates in 34 OECD countries, 1960–2014. Soc Sci Med 2020; 246:112755. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Whitley R, Fink DS, Santaella-Tenorio J, Keyes KM. Suicide Mortality in Canada after the Death of Robin Williams, in the Context of High-Fidelity to Suicide Reporting Guidelines in the Canadian Media. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2019; 64:805-812. [PMID: 31181955 PMCID: PMC6882074 DOI: 10.1177/0706743719854073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that suicide mortality increases after high-profile suicide deaths. Indeed, suicide in the United States increased disproportionately after the suicide by suffocation of well-known comedian Robin Williams in August 2014. Such increases are often attributed to irresponsible media coverage of the suicide contributing to "copycat suicides." However, recent research indicates that the mainstream Canadian media have significantly improved their suicide coverage, with high fidelity to suicide reporting guidelines after Williams' death. As such, the aim of the present study is to examine suicide mortality in Canada after Robin Williams' suicide. METHODS We obtained deidentified monthly suicide count data from January 1999 to December 2015 stratified by age, sex, and method of suicide from Statistics Canada. We used time-series analyses to estimate the expected number of suicides in the months following Robin Williams' death. This was done using a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving averages (SARIMA) method. Expected suicides were then compared with observed suicides. RESULTS August 2014 was the month with the highest number of suicides from 2010 to 2015. The time-series model indicated a 16% increase in the expected number of suicides during the months from August to December 2014 inclusive. Moreover, males over 30 had the greatest number of excess suicides, and suicides by suffocation (the method used by Robin Williams) were also higher in August and the following months. INTERPRETATION Suicides increased in Canada after Robin Williams' death, despite the improved mainstream media coverage witnessed in other studies. Other factors (e.g., social and alternative media) may have contributed to the observed increase in suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Whitley
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - David S Fink
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Julian Santaella-Tenorio
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, NY, USA
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16
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Akotia CS, Osafo J, Asare-Doku W, Boakye KE. News Editors’ Views about Suicide and Suicide Stories in Ghana. PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12646-019-00511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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17
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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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18
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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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19
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Lee SY. Media coverage of celebrity suicide caused by depression and increase in the number of people who seek depression treatment. Psychiatry Res 2019; 271:598-603. [PMID: 30554108 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We examined how media coverage of a celebrity who died by suicide due to depression was associated with the change in the number of people who visited a psychiatrist for depression. For this, of all news articles published in South Korea between 2010 and 2017, we identified all cases in which a celebrity died by suicide due to depression. Further, from the Korean health big data system, we collected monthly data on the number of people who visited a psychiatrist for depression. Regression analyses showed that, when there was media coverage of celebrity suicide due to depression in a particular month, more people visited a psychiatrist for depression-not in the same month but in the following month. We also found that, when there was media coverage of celebrity suicide due to depression, more news articles provided information about depression treatment or prevention. But, the increase in the number of such news articles did not play mediating roles between the media coverage of celebrity suicide, of which depression was known to be the main cause, and the increase in the number of visits to a psychiatrist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Yup Lee
- Department of Communication, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
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20
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McTernan N, Spillane A, Cully G, Cusack E, O'Reilly T, Arensman E. Media reporting of suicide and adherence to media guidelines. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2018; 64:536-544. [PMID: 29972096 DOI: 10.1177/0020764018784624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International research consistently shows evidence for an association between sensationalised and detailed media reporting, and suicidal behaviour. AIM This study examined the quality of media reporting of suicide and adherence to media guidelines in Ireland. METHODS In accordance with the criteria outlined in the media guidelines for reporting suicide, 243 media articles were screened and analysed for quality of reporting of two high-profile cases of suicide and two cases of suicide that became high profile following a period of intense media coverage that occurred between September 2009 and December 2012. RESULTS A minority of articles breached the media guidelines in relation to sensationalised language (11.8%), placement of reports on the front page of the newspaper (9.5%), publishing of inappropriate photographs (4.2%) and mention of location of suicide (2.4%), while no articles disclosed the contents of a suicide note. However, in the majority of articles analysed, journalists did not refer to appropriate support services for people vulnerable to, and at risk of suicide (75.8%) or mention wider issues that are related to suicidal behaviour (53.8%). Overemphasis of community grief (48.3%) was also common. Nearly all articles (99.2%) breached at least one guideline and 58.9% of articles breached three or more guidelines. CONCLUSION Overall, adherence to media guidelines on reporting suicide in Ireland improved in certain key areas from September 2009 until December 2012. Nonetheless, important challenges remain. Increased monitoring by media monitoring agencies, regulators and government departments is required. Implementation should be conducted using a pro-active approach and form part of the curriculum of journalists and editors. The inclusion of guidelines for the reporting of suicidal behaviour in press codes of conduct for journalists warrants consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall McTernan
- 1 National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ailbhe Spillane
- 1 National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,2 School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Grace Cully
- 1 National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,2 School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eimear Cusack
- 1 National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Theresa O'Reilly
- 1 National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ella Arensman
- 1 National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,2 School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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21
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Williams CL, Witte TK. Media Reporting on Suicide: Evaluating the Effects of Including Preventative Resources and Psychoeducational Information on Suicide Risk, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Help-Seeking Behaviors. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2018; 48:253-270. [PMID: 28504315 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of exposure to a suicide news article on a variety of outcome variables and whether adhering to one specific media guideline (i.e., including psychoeducational information and preventative resources) buffered any of the negative effects of exposure. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of three articles and then asked to complete a battery of self-report questionnaires. Overall, we found no effect of exposure to a suicide news article, regardless of the inclusion of resources and information, with a few minor exceptions. Although researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of media guidelines in the aggregate at reducing imitative suicidal behavior, it remains unclear which guidelines in particular are responsible for this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy K Witte
- Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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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. [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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23
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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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24
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Mueller AS. Does the media matter to suicide?: Examining the social dynamics surrounding media reporting on suicide in a suicide-prone community. Soc Sci Med 2017; 180:152-159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Suicidal Ideation and Attempt among People Living with HIV/AIDS at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL 2017; 2017:2301524. [PMID: 28491869 PMCID: PMC5405386 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2301524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background. Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) continues to be an underrecognized risk for suicidal ideation, suicidal attempt, and completion of suicide. Suicidal ideation and attempt in HIV/AIDS is not only a predictor of future attempted suicide and completed suicide. Methods. An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-positive patients attending HIV care at Zewditu Memorial Hospital. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 423 participants from April to May 2014. Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to collect data. Multivariable logistic regression was computed to assess factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempt. Result. Suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt were found to be 22.5% and 13.9%, respectively. WHO clinical stage of HIV, not being on HAART, depression, family history of suicidal attempt, and perceived stigma were associated with suicidal ideation. WHO clinical stage, being female, not being on HAART, use of substance, and depression were associated with suicidal attempt. Conclusion. Early diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections, depression, and early initiation of ART need to be encouraged in HIV-positive adults. Furthermore, counseling on substance use and its consequences and early identification of HIV-positive people with family history of suicidal ideation have to be considered.
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26
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Dillman Carpentier FR, Parrott MS. Young Adults' Information Seeking Following Celebrity Suicide: Considering Involvement With the Celebrity and Emotional Distress in Health Communication Strategies. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2016; 31:1334-1344. [PMID: 26984641 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2015.1056329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Young adults (N = 357) were surveyed following the suicide of celebrity Robin Williams to better understand how involvement with the actor and emotional responses to his death influenced searches for information concerning depression, suicide, and mental health. Emotional distress following the actor's death mediated the relationship between involvement and certain types of information searches. Most respondents sought information about the celebrity's career, suicide, and depression using portable devices such as smartphones and laptop computers to access news websites for information. Those respondents who sought information about the suicide reported changes in their thoughts about suicide, most often dealing with the difficulty in spotting warning signs and the idea that "it can happen to anyone." Findings suggest placement of health messages within existing material about celebrity announcements on online websites and social media to drive more traffic toward general informational outlets. Messages that acknowledge emotional distress might be best placed within content specific to the celebrity's tragedy, rather than specific to the celebrity's career or performances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Scott Parrott
- b College of Communication & Information Sciences , University of Alabama
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27
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Harshe D, Karia S, Harshe S, Shah N, Harshe G, De Sousa A. Celebrity suicide and its effect on further media reporting and portrayal of suicide: An exploratory study. Indian J Psychiatry 2016; 58:443-447. [PMID: 28197003 PMCID: PMC5270271 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.196704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a grave mental health problem in India, and suicide rates in India have risen over the past decades. Suicide reporting by the media is a common cause for spurts of suicides that may occur from time to time. The aim of the present study was to assess the change in trends in media reporting of suicide after a celebrity suicide. METHODOLOGY Suicide by the renowned actor Robin Williams was selected as the reference case. The top three Indian daily newspapers published in English having the highest circulation as per the Registrar of Newspapers, Government of India report were selected to be scanned in the study. These were the Times of India - Mumbai edition, Mumbai Mirror, and the Daily News Analysis - Mumbai edition. The authors screened all news stories in the three newspapers within a 6-month period (3 months prior and 3 months post the date of the reference suicide case), and these news reports were evaluated as per the suicide reporting guidelines for media laid down by the Indian Psychiatric Society. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test and descriptive statistics where appropriate. RESULTS A total of 708 newspaper articles were identified on the basis of the guidelines mentioned above. Nearly 88% (n = 623) of the articles directly covered suicide while 4.09% (n = 29) focused on suicidal threats and 7.91% (n = 56) focused on parasuicide behavior. There was a significantly greater increase in the total number of articles printed after the celebrity suicide (n = 409) for all article types except teasers as compared to that before the celebrity suicide (n = 299). There was a significantly greater increase in front page news on suicide after the celebrity suicide (P = 0.0016), description of the method of suicide (P = 0.0221), and the mention of the suicide notes (P = 0.0002). Most articles after the celebrity suicide placed the blame on someone or the environment for the act (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS A change in media trend toward reporting suicide was noted post a celebrity suicide, and it is important that media follow guidelines stringently when reporting a serious problem like suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devavrat Harshe
- Department of Psychiatry, D. Y. Patil Medical College and Research Centre, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sagar Karia
- Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sneha Harshe
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Dhanvantari Mind Care and Nursing Home, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nilesh Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gurudas Harshe
- Department of Psychiatry, D. Y. Patil Medical College and Research Centre, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Avinash De Sousa
- Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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28
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Jang SA, Sung JM, Park JY, Jeon WT. Copycat Suicide Induced by Entertainment Celebrity Suicides in South Korea. Psychiatry Investig 2016; 13:74-81. [PMID: 26766949 PMCID: PMC4701688 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2016.13.1.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Throughout the past several years, there have been a number of entertainment celebrity suicides in South Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the clustering of suicides following celebrities' suicides in South Korea from 2005 to 2008, particularly according to certain characteristics. METHODS Seven celebrity suicides were examined and defined using the Korean Integrated Newspaper Database System (KINDS) and from these, we considered four affected periods occurring 28 days after each celebrity's suicide. A Poisson time-series autoregression model was used to estimate the relative risk of the total suicide number for each affected period from 2005 to 2008. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate whether there were specific increases in the numbers of suicides in subgroups matching each celebrity. RESULTS There were significant increases in the risk of suicide during the affected periods. Remarkable increases were found in the subgroups matching each celebrity, especially in the group in which all factors (sex, age, and method) were similar. CONCLUSION This study provides confirmation that a significant copycat effect was induced by these celebrities' suicides, especially among people who identified more with the celebrities. This implies that countermeasures for upright media coverage of celebrity suicides should be discussed and practiced properly in South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ah Jang
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Min Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei Cardiovascular Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Park
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Taek Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Anestis MD, Bryan CJ, May AM, Law KC, Hagan CR, Bryan AO, Chu C, Michaels MS, Selby EA, Klonsky ED, Joiner TE. Dangerous Words? An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Detailed Reporting About Suicide on Subsequent Risk. J Clin Psychol 2015; 71:1031-41. [DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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30
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Pae CU. Influence of media on suicide: proper coverage of media on suicide report. J Korean Med Sci 2014; 29:1583-4. [PMID: 25408593 PMCID: PMC4234929 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.11.1583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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