Effect of Media Reporting of the Suicide of a Singer in Taiwan: the Case of Ivy Li

This study investigated possible influences of media reporting of a celebrity suicide on subsequent suicide attempts & associated risk factors among suicide attempters. 63 suicide attempters registered in a surveillance system of the Taipei City Suicide Prevention Centre were assessed via a structured interview soon after media reports of the suicide of a young female singer. 43 respondents had seen the media reports. Among them, 37% reported their suicide attempts were influenced by the reports. Men & younger age groups were more susceptible to the media reporting & there was a positive modelling effect in method of suicide. (24 refs.) JA