A Content Analysis and Comparison of Two Peaks of Newspaper Reporting During a Suicide Cluster to Examine Implications for Imitation, Suggestion, and Prevention

Abstract

Abstract. Background: During 2007–2008, media attention focused on a cluster of youth suicides in the UK. There were two peaks (P1, P2) in the volume of newspaper reporting of the deaths. The number of possible suicides was greater than expected at the time of the first peak but not at the time of the second. Aims: To explore any differences in the content of the reporting peaks and to consider implications for imitation and prevention. Method: A content analysis of two peaks of newspaper reporting was conducted. Results: There were 204 articles in P1 (December 27, 2007 to February 19, 2008) and 157 in P2 (February 20, 2008 to March 15, 2008). Four main themes were identified: individual stories; possible causes; features of reporting of the cluster; and educating and informing the public. P1 articles more frequently contained: explicit details of method; photographs of the deceased, and contained more characterization of individuals. Limitations: The focus was on print media, future studies should incorporate online and social media content. Conclusion: The findings provide some support for the hypothesis of a process of suggestion initiated by sensationalist reporting in P1. This contributes to the evidence base of the role of the press in suicide imitation and prevention, highlighting the importance of care when reporting suicides.

Can a social media intervention improve online communication about suicide? A feasibility study examining the acceptability and potential impact of the #chatsafe campaign

“…These positive evaluations of this type of content support previous public health campaigns that suggest content that evokes emotional responses and assist learning resonate most strongly with young people. Further, considerable attention is paid to the potential negative impact of media reporting following the suicide of both a public figure or member of the community, with research suggesting that exposure to sensationalist or graphic content can cause harm and potentially contribute to the development or maintenance of suicide clusters [ 56 , 57 ]. Thus, access to information on safe ways to communicate about someone who has died by suicide might go some way to mitigating the risk of future suicide clusters.…”

Understanding suicide clusters through exploring self-harm: Semi-structured interviews with individuals presenting with near-fatal self-harm during a suicide cluster

“…The individuals interviewed provide unique insights into the experiences of people who self-harm during a suicide cluster, including accounts from three individuals who were close contacts of people who had died. Analysis of these interviews builds on previous research focused on the potential role of print media in the initiation and maintenance of this suicide cluster (John et al, 2016;Marchant et al, 2020) to examine the influences on individuals from their own perspectives. All participants, when asked directly, stated that the suicidal behaviour of others did not influence their own self-harm.…”

“…This cluster was highly publicised in both the local and national press, with a high volume of sensational reporting throughout the cluster (John et al, 2016). While news reporting may have played a role in the initiation of this cluster (Marchant et al, 2020) there were likely to be multiple factors underlying its initiation and maintenance.…”

Troubling content: Guiding discussion of death by suicide on social media

“…As noted, media reporting of death by suicide has become a key public health concern because of its perceived relationship to subsequent suicidal behaviour (Marchant et al, 2020). In response, both reporting guidelines (endnotes 5 & 6), and tools for assessing media content, have emerged in recent years (John et al, 2014).…”