The Memory of Marie – Effects of a Television Movie About Suicide

Swedish newspaper coverage about suicidal behaviours increased from an average of 2% to 9.9% at the time of a 1985 television movie based on the diary of a 19 year old girl who committed suicide by hanging. Authors note an increase in the number of hanging suicides by women aged 15-29 in 1985 (n=28) when compared with the time periods 1973-1984, 1986-1987 (n=11-24). Data on when the suicide increase occurred is not provided.