The science behind suicide contagion

The New York Times

Since a 12% spike in U.S. suicides was documented following the 1962 death of Marilyn Monroe, researchers have learned more about the phenomenon of imitative suicides. Celebrity suicides can have a particularly strong effect on suicide patterns, and young people are more likely than others to be influenced by awareness of another’s death. “Suicide contagion is real, which is why I’m concerned about it,” said Madelyn Gould, a professor of Epidemiology in Psychiatry at Columbia University, who has studied suicide contagion extensively. Evidence shows that the way such events are covered in the media makes a big difference in whether vulnerable people are triggered to suicidal action or moved to seek help, and in recent years recommendations for responsible reporting have been strongly promoted.

Spark Extra! Read the U.S. Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide, along with background information and research highlights.