What Is The Werther Effect And How To Prevent It

The Werther effect is a social manifestation that is characterized by a significant increase in the number of suicides from exposure to news or similar graphic representation. In other words, the impact on society of a given suicide can be a trigger for other people to decide to take their own lives.

Although it is a sociological phenomenon, this situation does not imply that suicidal behaviors occur in all social spectrums. In these cases, the mental resources that each human being has to face an event of these characteristics must be considered.

In order to prevent this phenomenon, a more responsible and careful approach in the way the media reports on these issues.

Origin of the Werther effect

This mental health problem comes from the novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, a literary work written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In this story, the main character undertakes a trip to his aunt’s hometown to carry out some paperwork. Days later, the young man is invited to a party where he meets a woman. However, after some disagreements he realizes that his love will never be reciprocated and he decides to end his life.

The publication of this literary story shocked several people who felt identified with the plot and had a negative influence As a result of the similarity reflected between the character’s life and that of the readers, the suicide rate of the time increased significantly.

In order to establish a greater understanding of this problem, it is worth highlighting the causes that influence its emergence. Next, we will talk about why the Werther effect or collective suicide occurs:

• Behavior imitation: Identifying the emotions of a person who commits suicide can be a trigger for a massive wave. In general, death is seen as a possible way out of the disappointments of everyday life.
• Lack of sources: When a person lacks the tools to face moments of uncertainty, unease and discomfort, collective suicide becomes a viable option to end these sensations.
• Intention to transcend: The Werther effect occurs as a result of the dissemination of news that circulates on social media. In some cases, the significance they have in part of the population means that a human being who takes his own life could transcend over time.

Examples of the Werther effect or collective suicide

Some historical examples of the Werther effect include an increase in suicide cases after the novel’s publication The Sorrows of Young Werther of Goethe in the 17th century and the increase in suicides after the death of Marilyn Monroe in the year 1962.

Other examples of the Werther effect include:

• The case of Kurt Cobain: After the suicide of famous musician Kurt Cobain in 1994, there was an increase in suicide cases among teenagers who were fans of Nirvana.
• The Serie For 13 reasons: This television series, which deals with the suicide of a teenager and the reasons that led her to do so, raised concerns about its possible influence on young viewers.
• The phenomenon of Blue whale: This was a macabre online game that encouraged participants, mostly teenagers, to complete a series of challenges, including suicide. This phenomenon worried authorities in several countries due to related suicide cases.

These are just some of the examples that illustrate how media exposure to suicide cases of public figures can have an impact on the suicidal behavior of others, especially among those who identify with or relate to the deceased individuals. For this reason, it is important to address these issues responsibly in the media and promote mental health prevention and support resources.

Preventing the Werther effect is essential for preserve lives and protect mental health of people. This involves a careful and responsible approach to communication about suicide, as well as promoting resources and professional support for those who need it.

Understanding feelings, thoughts and emotions, as well as highlighting the opportunities that exist to move forward will provide more value to the person who is experiencing difficulties to move forward. Here are other reasons why it is crucial to prevent the Werther effect:

• Discourage the glorification of suicide: Avoiding imitation of suicides by public figures prevents the glamorization or romanticization of these acts, which can trigger a distorted perception of suicide and its consequences.
• Promote responsible communication: It is essential that the media report on suicide cases in a responsible and ethical manner, avoiding sensational or graphic details that could foster the Werther effect.
• Promote mental health awareness: Preventing the Werther effect also involves promoting understanding and empathy towards people struggling with mental health problems. This helps reduce stigma and create a more supportive community.
• Promote seeking professional help: By preventing the Werther effect, people are encouraged to seek support from mental health professionals and use available resources to overcome emotional difficulties.
• Improve prevention strategies: Understanding and preventing the Werther effect also leads to developing more effective suicide prevention strategies, such as awareness campaigns and access to mental health services.

In short, carrying out strategies aimed at improving quality is crucial to confront the difficulties that may arise in daily life. In this sense, instead of thinking about suicide as the end of conflicts, it is preferable to opt for other alternatives that inspire an optimistic vision. In this article we explain how to help a person with depression.

Despite the adversities that this problem entails, there are methods to avoid unfavorable consequences. In the next items, we will develop how to prevent the Werther effect:

• Mental health promotion: The delivery of talks in public institutions such as schools shows the negative effects that lack of control has on mental health.
• Social support: The creation of supportive communities provides emotional support in the face of conflicts in everyday life. Here you will find more information about Emotional Support: what it is, examples and how to give it.
• Crisis interventions: faced with the appearance of risky signs for personal development, we choose to favor an optimal space of tranquility.
• Suicide awareness campaigns: Talking about a complex issue for society allows us to face the qualities of each person.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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