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

Author:

Brandt Sørensen Jane1ORCID,Pearson Melissa2,Armstrong Gregory3,Andersen Martin Wolf1,Weerasinghe Manjula4,Hawton Keith5,Konradsen Flemming1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

2. School of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, The University of Edinburgh, UK

3. Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia

4. Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

5. Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, UK

Abstract

Abstract. 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.

Publisher

Hogrefe Publishing Group

Subject

Psychiatry and Mental health

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