Suicide reports in the media can affect vulnerable people: study

Reading details about suicide cases can push vulnerable people to take extreme measures, say scientists who stress the need to understand the impact of media reporting on suicidal populations

. Association Journal, found significant badociations between reporting and suicidal deaths: "It is important for journalists and the media to understand that their reports on suicide can have a real impact on the population," said Mark Sinyor , psychiatrist at

The study supports previous research that has shown that exposure to reports on suicide may lead some vulnerable people to similar behavior, a phenomenon called the contagion of suicide and, in some cases, can also help to … look for behavior.

"When media reports include resources such as crisis services and messages of hope, they can have a positive impact on the public and potentially help a person in crisis by reminding them that suicide does not occur. Is not the only option available, "Sinyor said.

Researchers examined the relationship between potentially dangerous and useful elements of press reports and online media about suicide. nearly 17,000 articles in 13 major publications of the Toronto media market and suicide deaths in Toronto from 2011 to 2014. The study sought a link between certain types of reporting and suicide deaths within 7 days publication suggests that reporting on suicide can have a significant impact on suicide deaths and that journalists and the media should carefully consider the specific content reports before suicide. publication. "This study underscores the importance of responsible reporting and recognizes that relatively few reports have included useful information such as crisis resources and messages of hope," Sinyor said. 19659002]. During the same period, 947 suicides occurred in Toronto.

Several factors were badociated with the increase in the number of suicides, including the description of the method as unavoidable and suicide among celebrities.

Articles on murder-suicides were badociated with a decrease in suicides.

"Suicide is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by many factors.We encourage journalists to take extra precautions to contextualize their reporting, especially when a story concerns a person or situation to which people are likely to be exposed. Identify, "said Mr. Sinyor.