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Self-Harm and Suicide Coverage in Sri Lankan Newspapers
Jane Brandt Sørensen1,2, Melissa Pearson3,2, Martin Wolf Andersen1
11 Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Crisis
|July 28, 2018
Summary
Sri Lankan newspapers frequently fail to follow responsible suicide reporting guidelines. Most articles lacked sensitivity, providing no help-seeking information, highlighting a need for journalist training.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Media Studies
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Irresponsible media reporting on suicide can negatively influence suicidal behavior.
- Adherence to suicide reporting guidelines in Sri Lanka has not been recently assessed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the quality of self-harm and suicide reporting in Sri Lankan newspapers.
- To compare reporting quality between Sinhala and English language newspapers.
Main Methods:
- A content analysis of 407 newspaper editions published between December 1, 2014, and January 31, 2015.
- The PRINTQUAL tool was utilized to assess the quality of suicide and self-harm reporting.
Main Results:
- 68 articles on self-harm or suicide were identified (42 in Sinhala, 26 in English).
- Most articles did not comply with sensitive reporting guidelines, frequently including methods in headlines (53%) and individual characteristics (100%).
- Insensitive language (58% in English articles), single-factor causation (52%), and lack of help-seeking information were prevalent.
Conclusions:
- The majority of Sri Lankan newspapers failed to adhere to principles of responsible reporting on self-harm and suicide.
- There is a clear need for enhanced training for journalists on ethical and sensitive reporting practices.
- Further research should encompass social media and other language publications for a comprehensive understanding.
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