Citation

Martin G. Arch. Suicide Res. 1998; 4(1): 51-66.

Affiliation

Child Adolescent Mental Health Serv., Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811119808258289

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This review explores the influence to suicide in print and electronic media, and considers both real and fictional deaths. The conclusion appears inescapable that reports about celebrities which are multi-modal, repeated, explicit, front page, glorify the suicide, and describe the method lead to an increase in deaths from suicide, particularly in the region in which reports are published. The paper argues that even if there was multi-national agreement to international guidelines, media will continue to report suicide when it is considered to be 'a matter of public interest'. What appears crucial is a collaborative approach between professionals and the media to promote a negative attitude toward suicide without increasing stigma toward those with mental health problems.