The impact of indiscriminate media coverage of a celebrity suicide on a society with a high suicide rate: Epidemiological findings on copycat suicides from South Korea

作者: Ji NamJu Ji NamJu , Lee WeonYoung Lee WeonYoung , Noh MaengSeok Noh MaengSeok , PSF Yip , None

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAD.2013.11.015

关键词: PsychologyCopycatInjury preventionDeath certificateSuicide methodsHuman factors and ergonomicsSuicide preventionIncidence (epidemiology)DemographyPoison control

摘要: Abstract Background This study examines the extent to which indiscriminate media coverage of famous young actress Lee Eun-ju's suicide in 2005 affected suicides overall and specific subgroups (by age, gender, method) a suicide-prone society, South Korea. Methods Korea's 2003–2005 data (n=34,237) were obtained from death certificate records National Statistical Office (NSO). Data was analyzed with Poisson time series auto-regression models. Results After adjusting for confounding factors (such as seasonal variation, calendar year, temperature, humidity, unemployment rate), there significant increase (RR=1.40, 95%, CI=1.30–1.51, no. excess mortalities=331; 95% CI=267–391) during 4 weeks after Lee's suicide. more prominent similar characteristics celebrity. In particular, relative risk this period largest (5.24; CI=3.31–8.29) women who used same method Moreover, incidence these copycat significantly increased both genders all age among those committed using celebrity (hanging). Limitations It is difficult prove conclusively that real motivation death. Conclusions The findings imply that, if indiscreetly reports effect can be far-reaching very strong, particularly vulnerable people.

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