Citation

Schmidtke A, Schaller S. MMW Munch. Med. Wochenschr. 1998; 140(10): 137-141.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Verlagsgesellschaft OttoSpatz)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Since the reported effects of Goethes novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther" in 1774, "media effects" on suicidal behaviour have been hypothesized. The empirical evidence of contemporary research in this field also shows that there are imitation effects due to the portrayal of suicidal behaviour in mass media. The effects can be caused by press, film, TV, music and books and in recent times also by electronic media (Internet). They are not restricted to reports of real suicidal behaviour, but also fictional suicidal behaviour may trigger additional suicidal behaviour and might lead to imitation of suicide methods. The studies also show a dose effect: the greater the amount of publication or repetition of publication, the more imitation can be found. The effects also seem to depend on the similarity of the model to potential imitators, especially if the suicidal behaviour is portrayed in a certain positive manner. However, media can also be used for suicide prevention.

Language: de

Keywords

Media effects; Suicide imitation; Suicide prevention