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Imitative suicide on the Viennese subway
G Sonneck1, E Etzersdorfer, S Nagel-Kuess
1Institute for Medical Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Vienna saw a sharp rise in subway suicides, but a 75% decrease occurred after media suicide reporting guidelines were established. This reduction in suicide rates has been sustained for five years.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Media Studies
Background:
- Subway suicides in Vienna showed a significant increase from 1984 to mid-1987.
- This trend indicated a growing public health concern within the urban transit system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of media reporting on subway suicide rates.
- To analyze the characteristics of suicide and attempted suicide in the Viennese subway.
- To propose evidence-based media guidelines for covering suicidal acts.
Main Methods:
- The study correlated changes in subway suicide incidents with the implementation of media guidelines.
- It involved discussions between suicide prevention experts and media representatives.
- Data on suicide and attempted suicide in the Viennese subway were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A 75% reduction in subway suicides was observed starting in the second half of 1987.
- This significant decrease has been sustained for a five-year period.
- The reduction coincided with an agreement for media to abstain from reporting suicide cases.
Conclusions:
- Media guidelines and voluntary abstention from reporting suicides can dramatically reduce subway suicide rates.
- Collaborative efforts between public health organizations and media are effective in suicide prevention.
- Specific guidelines for media coverage of suicidal acts are crucial for public safety.