A Qualitative Analysis of Self-Harm and Suicide in Sri Lankan Printed Newspapers.

Autor: Brandt Sørensen J; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark., Pearson M; School of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, The University of Edinburgh, UK., Armstrong G; Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia., Andersen MW; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark., Weerasinghe M; Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka., Hawton K; Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, UK., Konradsen F; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Crisis [Crisis] 2021 Jan; Vol. 42 (1), pp. 56-63. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 May 05.
DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000687
Abstrakt: Background: Media reporting may influence suicidal behavior. In-depth exploration of how self-harm and suicide are portrayed in newspaper articles in a middle-income country such as Sri Lanka is lacking. Aims: We aimed to explore how self-harm and suicide are portrayed in Sri Lankan printed newspapers. Method: Seven English- and Sinhala-language Sri Lankan newspapers were screened for articles reporting on self-harm and suicide (December 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015). A thematic analysis was conducted. Results: In the 78 articles identified for analysis, certain aspects were overemphasized (inappropriate behavior) and others underemphasized (alcohol and complexities of self-harm). Explanations of self-harm were one-sided and a suicide prevention narrative was lacking. Limitations: Another time-frame and inclusion of Tamil newspapers as well as social media and online publications would provide additional understanding. Conclusion: The study found an indication of simplistic reporting. Greater focus on prevention and a nuanced portrayal of self-harm could reduce stigma and imitative behavior.
Databáze: MEDLINE
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