Suicide Influences and Factors: Media Effects (IN: Macmillan Encyclopedia of Death and Dying, vol.2: L-Z, ed. by R Kastenbaum)

The author reviews the research evidence compiled from recent studies into the impact of media coverage of suicide on the mass public. Evidence supporting & undermining the ‘copycat’ effect gauged, various theoretical interpretations are discussed, & appropriate scientific generalizations about the impact of the media on suicide are constructed. Finally, media guidelines for reporting suicide are discussed in the context of suicide prevention. (4 refs)