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Niederkrotenthaler T, Metzler H, Laido Z, Till B, Lake AH, Noble E, Chowdhury S, Gonzalez F, Garcia D, Draper J, Murphy S, Gould M. "Breaking the Silence" Suicide Prevention Media Campaign in Oregon, April 7-14, 2019. CRISIS 2024; 45:330-338. [PMID: 38495020 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Background: Between April 7 and 14, 2019, the "Breaking the Silence" media engagement campaign was launched in Oregon. Aims: We aimed to assess the consistency of media content related to the campaign with media guidelines and the quantitative footprint on Twitter (now X) over time. Method: Media items related to the campaign were analyzed regarding focus and consistency with media guidelines for suicide reporting and compared with other suicide-related reports published in the same time frame, as well as with reporting in Washington, the control region. Tweets related to the campaign were retrieved to assess the social media footprint. Results: There were n = 104 media items in the campaign month, mainly in the campaign week. Items typically used a narrative featuring suicide advocacy or policy/prevention programs. As compared to other items with a similar focus, they scored better on several protective characteristics listed in media recommendations. Stories of coping with adversity, however, were scarce. The social media footprint on Twitter was small. Limitations: Inability to make causal claims about campaign impact. Conclusion: Media items from the Breaking the Silence campaign appeared mainly consistent with media guidelines, but some aspects, such as stories of recovery, were under-represented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannah Metzler
- Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Interactive Systems and Data Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | - Zrinka Laido
- Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Till
- Unit Suicide Research & Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Wiener Werkstaette for Suicide Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alison H Lake
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily Noble
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saba Chowdhury
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frances Gonzalez
- Vibrant Emotional Health, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Garcia
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Interactive Systems and Data Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Austria
| | - John Draper
- Vibrant Emotional Health, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean Murphy
- Vibrant Emotional Health, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madelyn Gould
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Scaioli G, Lo Moro G, Giacomini G, Galvagno PF, Bert F, Siliquini R. Prevention of the Werther effect: compliance of the Italian newspapers to the 'reporting on suicide' recommendations. Public Health 2023; 221:124-130. [PMID: 37441996 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Suicide media coverage could lead to imitation, the so-called 'Werther effect'. The World Health Organization (WHO) published specific recommendations for reporting suicide news. This study aimed to quantify the compliance of Italian newspapers with the WHO suicide reporting guidelines. STUDY DESIGN This was a quantitative content analysis study. METHODS All articles published by the three main Italian newspapers from June 2019 to May 2020 describing suicides or attempted suicides were included. The articles were analyzed using a checklist based on the WHO recommendations, which included 18 'negative' items (e.g. 'presence of the word 'suicide' in the title') and nine 'positive' items (e.g. 'the article reports the contacts of a suicide prevention hotline'). Each negative item was scored -1, and each positive item was scored +1. Multivariate linear regressions were performed to identify factors associated with lower adherence to WHO recommendations and higher social media engagement with the articles. RESULTS A total of 3483 articles were screened, and 110 articles were included in the final analysis. The suicidal was male in 73.6% of cases. The median checklist score was -6 (interquartile range 3). Five percent of the articles had at least one positive item. The word 'suicide' was found in 90% of the titles. Female suicides were associated with a higher checklist score (coefficient 0.81, P = 0.039). No correlation was found between the checklist score and the social media engagement of the articles. CONCLUSIONS Italian newspapers do not adhere completely to the WHO recommendations on reporting suicide, leading to a potential imitation effect. Public health professionals should make decision-makers and journalists aware of the importance of these recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Scaioli
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Local Health Authority ASL TO3, Turin, Italy
| | - G Lo Moro
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Giacomini
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - P F Galvagno
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Bert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Local Health Authority ASL TO3, Turin, Italy
| | - R Siliquini
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; AOU City of Health and Science of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Onoja IB, Ojih SEU, Onoja PO, Onoja NM, Bebenimibo P, Akor SE. Nigerian newspapers coverage of suicide: Assessment of adherence to WHO suicide reporting guidelines. Indian J Psychiatry 2023; 65:579-585. [PMID: 37397849 PMCID: PMC10309254 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_537_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Despite an increase in research evidence on media compliance with suicide reporting guidelines globally, evidence from Nigeria seems to be relatively limited. Aim This study assessed the prevalence of World Health Organization (WHO) helpful/harmful suicide reporting cues in suicide stories reported by Nigerian newspapers in 2021. Setting and Design The setting is the entire Nigeria and the design is descriptive. Method Quantitative content analysis method was adopted and 205 online suicide-related stories from news portals of 10 purposefully selected newspapers were analyzed. The newspapers selected were among the top 20 in Nigeria and had higher circulation/coverage and considerable online presence. Evaluation framework was designed following moderated WHO guidelines. Statistical Analysis Used Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used for the analysis. Results The study suggested high prevalence of harmful reporting and near absence of helpful suicide reporting cues among Nigerian newspapers. Majority of the stories, 95.6% mentioned suicide in the headline; 79.5% provided details on the suicide methods employed; 66.3% offered mono-causal explanation to suicide; and 59% featured images of suicide victims and/or suicide-related graphics. Helpful reporting cues were almost nonexistence as only less than 4% of the stories traced warning signs, reported mental health experts/professionals' opinions, featured research findings/population level statistics, and provided details on the identity/contact of suicide prevention programs/support services. Conclusion Prevalence of harmful suicide-reporting practice among Nigerian Newspaper presented a gloomy future for suicide prevention in the country. There be training and motivation programs for health/crime reporters/editors on responsive media coverage of suicide following (a domesticated) WHO guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibe Ben Onoja
- Department of Mass Communication, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Nelson Monday Onoja
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
| | - Paul Bebenimibo
- Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University, Uruoka, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Shedrack Egbunu Akor
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
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Kar SK, Shukla S, Rai S, Sharma N, Roy D, Menon V, Arafat SMY. Assessing the Quality of Suicide Reporting in Online Newspapers in Uttar Pradesh, India, According to World Health Organization Guidelines. CRISIS 2022; 43:142-148. [PMID: 33620257 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sensitive media reporting has an important role in suicide prevention. However, there is no research on the quality of media reporting of suicide in newspapers of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the quality of newspaper reports of suicide against the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting guidelines. Method: Suicide news content of four purposively selected newspapers published between March 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020, were scrutinized. A total of 501 news reports from UP were included. Results: The most commonly reported attribute was the gender of the deceased and the method of suicide. Almost half of the newspapers reported the occupation of the deceased in the title. Mental illness was attributed as a cause of suicide among 23.75% of the news reports. Less than 2% of the news reports referred to expert opinion, research evidence, national or global statistics on suicide, suicide prevention measures, or information about suicide helpline. There was a significant difference in the quality of reporting between the vernacular newspapers and English dailies. Limitations: Only four online newspapers were analyzed retrospectively. Conclusion: The quality of media reporting of suicide in UP is found to be poor despite its negative effect on suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shreya Shukla
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sagar Rai
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nivedita Sharma
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deblina Roy
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vikas Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - S M Yasir Arafat
- Department of Psychiatry, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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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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Quarshie ENB, Andoh-Arthur J, Asante KO, Asare-Doku W. Online media reporting of suicidal behaviour in Ghana: Analysis of adherence to the WHO guidelines. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2021; 67:251-259. [PMID: 32418459 PMCID: PMC8107450 DOI: 10.1177/0020764020919787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irresponsible media reporting of suicide is a potential risk for copycat suicide. There is a paucity of studies from sub-Saharan Africa on the quality of media reporting of suicide. OBJECTIVES We assessed the compliance of Ghanaian online media outlets with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for media reporting of suicide. METHODS We searched 10 local media outlets with strong online presence in Ghana, to identify suicide-related news reports from 2000 through 2019. We applied summative content analysis and chi-square (χ2) test to the data. RESULTS We included 288 news reports, of which 261 (90.6%) were completed suicides, 7 (2.4%) were attempted suicides and 20 (6.9%) were homicide suicides. Most of the news reports failed to comply with the WHO guidelines: 92.7% mentioned the specific method of the suicide act, 82.6% included 'suicide' in the headline and 55.6% included photos of the victims. The χ2 tests indicated that privately owned media outlets were more likely than publicly owned to post a photo of the victim, χ2(1) = 17.37, p < .001, and report the incident location in the headline, χ2(1) = 15.00, p < .001. However, generally, there were no statistically significant relationships between the quality of reporting and media outlet ownership. Each of the 288 reports failed to mention any of the potentially helpful features recommended by the WHO guidelines. CONCLUSION Regardless of the ownership of the media outlet (whether private or publicly owned), mostly, the online reportage of suicidal behaviour in Ghana deviates sharply from the international recommended best practice by the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana
| | - Johnny Andoh-Arthur
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana.,Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana.,Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Winifred Asare-Doku
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana.,School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Banerjee D, Varshney P, Vajawat B. "Guarding the Gatekeepers": Suicides among Mental Health Professionals and Scope of Prevention, A Review. Psychiatry Res 2020; 294:113501. [PMID: 33065373 PMCID: PMC7543698 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a social evil that is considered to be a global epidemic. Mental healthcare professionals (MHP) (psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social work, etc.) are often involved as 'gatekeepers' in the management of suicidality and suicide prevention. Even though the risk of suicide in medical profession has received attention in research, there has been scarcity of literature related to the same in MHPs. They are not immune to the perils of psychological distress and its cascading consequences including suicide, contrary to the popular societal myths. The intrinsic and extrinsic pressures of the profession, persistent discourse in managing the psychological distress of others, professional burnout, self-stigma, societal apathy and easy access to psychotropics are certain factors making the MHPs more vulnerable. This disengagement and stress can contribute to depression, anxiety and complex trauma in the MHPs. The situation is furthermore compounded in developing countries with resource constraints, low MHP: patient ratio and inflexibility of work schedules. This makes tailored interventions, peer counselling, periodic mental health screenings and administrative understanding and accountability necessary at all levels. Keeping this in background, the review glances at the risk factors of suicide related to MHPs, highlights the problem statement and discusses the possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Banerjee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India.
| | - Prateek Varshney
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Bhavika Vajawat
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
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Adherence to World Health Organization guideline on suicide reporting by media in Taiwan: A surveillance study from 2010 to 2018. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 120:609-620. [PMID: 32703697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Significant associations between suicide behaviors and inappropriate suicide reports in the media have been reported. The study aimed to examine the quality of long-term suicide reports under surveillance by the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center (TSPC). METHODS The TSPC conducted daily surveillance with timely feedback and interactive approaches with the media professionals. To examine the reporting trends under the surveillance, daily adherence to the 12-item World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines was analyzed for print media published between 2010 and 2018, and for online media in 2017 and 2018. The trend analysis using the Cochran-Armitage test was performed to estimate the significance of adherence changes. RESULTS In total, 5529 print reports and 16,445 person-event items from online media were reviewed. The number of suicide reports in print newspapers markedly decreased while it increased for online media. Surveillance of print media showed statistical significance of the improvement of reporting adherence to all guideline items except one item ("Do not publish photo or suicide notes"). Adherence rates were high (∼90%) for 6 of the 12 items over the study duration. Marked improvement was observed in three items: reporting details, giving simplistic reasons, and providing helpline resources. However, both "Highlight the alternatives to suicide" and "Work closely with health authorities to present the facts" items had the lowest adherence. Online media had similar findings and adherence profile as the print media. CONCLUSION The quality of suicide reports significantly improved in most WHO guideline items. Development of psychiatric-media liaisons may be beneficial for further improvement.
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Gregory P, Stevenson F, King M, Osborn D, Pitman A. The experiences of people bereaved by suicide regarding the press reporting of the death: qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:176. [PMID: 32075618 PMCID: PMC7031901 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Media guidelines on suicide reporting of suicide have two purposes: to prevent further suicides, and to minimise distress to the bereaved, who are themselves at increased risk of suicide. We aimed to describe the subjective experiences of people bereaved by suicide regarding media reporting of the suicide of their friend or relative. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of staff and students aged 18–40 at 37 United Kingdom higher educational institutions in 2010 to recruit adults who had experienced bereavement by the suicide of a close contact. We analysed free-text responses to a question probing experiences of the press after the suicide, using thematic analysis to identify key themes. Results We analysed responses from 140 eligible respondents, and identified 3 main themes: value placed on respecting the privacy or wishes of the bereaved; respect accorded to the deceased; and the role of the press in promoting suicide prevention messages. Many respondents described negative experiences of the press, with sub-themes capturing distressing experiences relating to perceptions of journalists’ intrusive behaviour, failure to consult appropriately with the bereaved, journalists releasing private information, negatively misrepresenting the deceased, and breaching the anonymity of the deceased or bereaved. We identified considerable variation in people’s views over acceptable levels of detail reported in the press, and in some cases objections were in relation to journalists following media guidelines. These divergent views illustrate the tensions between the twin purposes of media guidelines: to prevent further suicides, and to protect the bereaved. Conclusions The findings from our British sample provide journalists with personal perspectives from bereaved relatives on the impact of media intrusion, speculation, and misrepresentation, and an insight into disparate views on the nature of information relatives feel comfortable disclosing. These findings suggest a need for journalists’ training to include exposure to such views, to heighten awareness of potentially distressing effects and the nuances of bereaved people’s preferences. This should aim to encourage journalists to consult with bereaved relatives more sensitively, whilst also remaining mindful of media guidelines on the reporting of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Gregory
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.,Barnet Enfield & Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK.,Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Fiona Stevenson
- UCL Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael King
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - David Osborn
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.,Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- UCL Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK. .,Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Bolzern JE, Mnyama NL, McMillan D. Responsible journalism, imitative suicide, and transgender populations: A systematic review of UK newspapers. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2019.1620148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime E. Bolzern
- Hull York Medical School, York, UK
- University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | | | - Dean McMillan
- Department of Health Sciences, Joint Hull York Medical School and University of York, York, UK
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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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Carmichael V, Whitley R. Media coverage of Robin Williams' suicide in the United States: A contributor to contagion? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216543. [PMID: 31071144 PMCID: PMC6508639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that suicide rates can increase following the suicide of a prominent celebrity or peer, sometimes known as 'suicide contagion'. The risk of contagion is especially high when media coverage is detailed and sensational. A recent study reported a 10% increase in U.S. suicides in the months following the suicide of comedian Robin Williams, who died in August 2014. The authors tentatively linked this increase to sensational media coverage; however, no content analysis of U.S. media was performed. As such, the aim of the present study is to formally examine the tone and content of U.S. newspaper coverage of Williams' suicide. The primary objective is to assess adherence to suicide reporting guidelines in U.S. newspapers after his suicide. The secondary objective is to identify common emerging themes discussed in these articles. The tertiary objective is to compare patterns of results in the U.S media with those in the Canadian media. Articles about Williams' suicide were collected from 10 U.S. newspapers in the 30-day period following his death using systematic retrieval software, which were then examined for adherence to suicide reporting recommendations. An inductive thematic analysis was also undertaken. A total of 63 articles were included in the study. We found that 100% of articles did not call it a 'successful' suicide, 96.8% did not use pejorative phrases and 71% did not say 'commit' suicide. However, only 11% included information about help-seeking, 27% tended to romanticize his suicide and 46% went into detail about the method. The most prominent emerging theme was Williams' struggles with mental illness and addiction. These findings suggest that U.S. newspapers moderately adhered to best practice recommendations when reporting Williams' suicide. Key recommendations were underapplied, which may have contributed to suicide contagion. New interventions targeting U.S. journalists and media may be needed to improve suicide reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Carmichael
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rob Whitley
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Pridmore S, Pridmore W. Suicide in early China and the current West. Australas Psychiatry 2018; 26:651-654. [PMID: 29926733 DOI: 10.1177/1039856218781013] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To characterize suicide in early China, as a means of extending knowledge of this behaviour. METHODS: We examined Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and collated and considered relevant details. RESULTS: In early China, loss of authority/status, loved ones and fortune were triggers for suicide. The expression of the intention to suicide, either by word or action, was observed and elicited a placating response. Less frequent, but nevertheless clearly recorded, were accounts of suicide completed to satisfy the wishes of others. CONCLUSIONS: The suicide and related behaviour of early China shares many features with late Western societies, but one form (to satisfy the wishes of others) is currently undetected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saxby Pridmore
- Professor, Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - William Pridmore
- Student, Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Chun J, Kim J, Lee S. Fidelity assessment of the suicide reporting guidelines in Korean newspapers. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1115. [PMID: 30208965 PMCID: PMC6134504 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6014-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the dishonor of being the highest suicide rated country in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, South Korea should take more initiatives in suicide prevention. Although the role of the media and its relation to actual suicide attempts has been tested and supported by many studies, the suicide reporting guidelines are not well followed. The purpose of this study is to examine how well Korean newspapers adhere to existing guidelines and to suggest limitation and improvements for the current guidelines. METHODS Five mainstream newspapers in South Korea, namely, Kyunghyang Shinmun, Hankyoreh, Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Daily, and Dong-A Ilbo, were chosen for the analysis. Using the Naver news search engine, articles dated from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017, were selected with the keyword "suicide" and advanced option "printed newspaper." However, articles, columns, opinions, and reviews that utilized the word "suicide" in a general context were excluded from the final analysis. Finally, the number of cases was narrowed down to 368. Each article was analyzed using the guideline framework consisting of 13 items: sensational coverage, overstatement, direct wording, method used, details about site/location, photographs, suicide note, generalization, speculation, romanticization, interviews with the bereaved, help-seeking information, and public education. RESULTS More than 60% of the articles included direct wording (63.9%), mentioned the method used (68.2%), and provided details about the site or location (74.5%). Nearly half of the articles revealed the contents of the suicide note (44.6%). Less than 3% of the suicide reports had information about hotline logo or phone numbers (1.4%) and facts regarding suicide and suicide prevention (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that the guidelines were ineffective in their monitoring role and that most of the newspapers were incompliant with many significant guideline items in South Korea. Our findings not only explore the limitations of the current guidelines but also provide an important rationale as to why there should be stronger suicide monitoring regulation or an agency with sufficient authority to prevent suicide in a nation-wide scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- JongSerl Chun
- Department of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinyung Kim
- Department of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Serim Lee
- Department of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
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15
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Marzano L, Fraser L, Scally M, Farley S, Hawton K. News Coverage of Suicidal Behavior in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. CRISIS 2018; 39:386-396. [DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Media reporting of suicide has been associated with imitative acts. Internationally, this has led to the development of guidelines to promote responsible reporting of suicide. Aims: To examine the nature and quality of news coverage of suicidal behavior in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI). Method: UK and ROI press clippings relating to suicide over 12 months (N = 8,101) were coded for content and assessed for quality against existing guidelines. We examined variability in relation to key characteristics (e.g., type of publication) and compared newspaper portrayal of suicide against official statistics. Results: Reports were biased toward young, female, and relatively unusual suicides (including those involving a celebrity, more than one individual, and violent methods). Almost a third of reports had inappropriate headlines, but only a minority were of poor overall quality, and editors appear to be responsive to feedback. There was considerable variability in the quality of reports for different suicide methods. Limitations: This work cannot account for the impact of reporting on suicidal behavior. The speed of change in media trends also limits its conclusions. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the need for sustained efforts to promote responsible reporting of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marzano
- Psychology Department, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | | | - Mia Scally
- Psychology Department, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Stuart Farley
- Psychology Department, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, UK
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16
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Assessing the Use of Media Reporting Recommendations by the World Health Organization in Suicide News Published in the Most Influential Media Sources in China, 2003-2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15030451. [PMID: 29510591 PMCID: PMC5876996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Public media reports about suicide are likely to influence the population's suicidal attempts and completed suicides. Irresponsible reports might trigger copycat suicidal behaviors, while responsible reports may help reduce suicide rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) released recommendations to encourage responsible suicide reports in 2008. However, little is known about whether these recommendations are reflected in the suicide news for most countries, including China. In this study, we assessed the responsibility of suicide stories published in the most influential newspaper and Internet media sources in China from 2003 to 2015, using the media reporting recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). In total, 3965 and 1836 eligible stories from newspaper and Internet-based media, respectively, were included in the study. Newspapers and Internet-based media performed similarly in applying WHO recommendations to report suicide news. Three recommendations were applied in over 88% of suicide stories. However, four recommendations were seldom applied, including offering information about where to seek help and linking the suicide event to mental disorders. Government and the journalism industry should work together to improve media reporting of news about suicide in China.
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17
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Ortiz P, Khin Khin E. Traditional and new media's influence on suicidal behavior and contagion. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2018; 36:245-256. [PMID: 29659071 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of nonfictional and fictional media in suicide contagion has been well established, ostensibly beginning with the publication of Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther in 1774. In recent decades, the emergence of several new forms of media (e.g. websites, social media, blogs, smartphone applications) has revolutionized the communication and social interaction paradigms. This article reviews "the Werther effect" (or suicide contagion related to media), special populations who are more influential or susceptible, current media reporting guidelines and their effectiveness, and the latest research on new media and its effect on suicide and suicide contagion. The aim is to update recommendations on how to mitigate the potential negative effects of both traditional and new media on suicidal behavior and suicide contagion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Ortiz
- George Washington University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eindra Khin Khin
- George Washington University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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