Suicide and the Media (IN: Assessment and Prediction of Suicide, edited by R W Maris et al)

This chapter reviews the literature on the impact of nonfiction & fictional suicide stories publicized in the mass media (newspapers & television). It addresses the question of how the effects of suicide stories might be mitigated, consulting the literature in the fields of advertising & decision-making. It also suggests research topics that remain to be addressed, & ways in which public health agencies, mental health professionals, & the mass media can facilitate this research. (54 Refs.)