Dangerous Words? An Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Detailed Reporting About Suicide on Subsequent Risk

Journal of Clinical Psychology
Michael D AnestisThomas E Joiner

Abstract

Media reporting guidelines exist for suicide-related content; however, no experimental studies have examined the impact of guideline violations. As such, we utilized an experimental design to determine whether reading an article about suicide that violated guidelines would impact mood and suicidality relative to the same article without violations and to an article detailing death by cancer, both immediately and during 1-month follow-up. 273 students were randomly assigned to read one of three articles (1) an article that violated suicide reporting guidelines, (2) the same article with violations removed, or (3) an article that details death by cancer. Individuals assigned to read the original suicide article were no more upset immediately afterwards or during 1-month follow-up. Amongst participants with prior ideation, those who read the original article reported a lower likelihood of future attempt relative to either other condition. Results indicate some reporting guidelines may be unnecessary. Amongst individuals at risk for suicide, some guideline violations may be associated with a decreased likelihood of future attempt and result in a decrease in negative affect. Clinically, these results highlight the potential utility ...Continue Reading

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Mar 30, 2017·Health Communication·Michele AbbottWilliam Marcellino
Mar 16, 2018·Australasian Psychiatry : Bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists·Jo RobinsonEleanor Bailey
Jul 5, 2018·The International Journal of Social Psychiatry·Niall McTernanElla Arensman
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Mar 15, 2018·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Tanja LaukkalaAntti Sajantila

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