What is the Werther effect and how to prevent it

The increase in the suicide rate is a worrying and complex phenomenon that responds to various factors. Media coverage of known events linked to suicide is one of the situations that arouses the greatest interest in mental health. In this sense, many people are fascinated by the horror of closely contemplating the suicide of a human being. Likewise, the imitation of harmful behaviors corresponds to a psychological and social problem that needs to be investigated in depth. If literature is taken into account in historical terms, it is necessary to note that there are stories that account for this phenomenon that is not limited solely to the realm of fantasy. In this way, the link with reality can be extremely dramatic and lead a large part of the world's population to commit destructive acts. Given these complexities, it becomes essential to have concrete and effective data to face these difficulties. The implementation of resources dedicated to prevention allows for a significant improvement in the quality of life.

In this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about What is the Werther effect and how to prevent it.

Index

1. What is the Werther effect
2. Why the Werther effect or collective suicide occurs
3. Why it is important to prevent the Werther effect
4. How to prevent the Werther effect

The Werther effect consists of a social manifestation that is characterized by a representative increase in the number of suicides following the exposure of transcendental news of this nature. In other words, the impact of a suicide that becomes relevant within a society can be a triggering factor 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. Furthermore, the mental resources that each human being possesses to face an event of these characteristics must be considered.

Origin of the Werther effect

This problem of mental health takes the origin of the term from the novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, a literary work written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In this story, the main character takes a trip to his aunt's hometown to carry out some paperwork. After a few days, he is invited to a party where he meets a woman. After some disagreements, he realizes that his love will never be reciprocated and decides to end his life.

Since the publication of this literary story, it has been proven that the negative influence of this news shocked several people who felt identified with the plot. As a result of the similarity reflected in the life of the character and the readers, the suicide rate increased noticeably.

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 triggering factor 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 18th century. Another example is the increase in suicides after the death of Marilyn Monroe in 1962.

Below we show you other examples of the Werther effect:

• 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 series "13 Reasons Why": 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 "Blue Whale" phenomenon: 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 cases of suicide of public figures can have an impact on the suicidal behavior from other people, especially among those who identify 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.

Understand feelings, thoughts and emotions, as well as highlight the opportunities that exist to get ahead will provide more value to the person who is experiencing difficulties to continue 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.

Carrying out strategies aimed at improving quality is a crucial aspect in the face of 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.

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 the 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 Psychology-Online 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.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is the Werther effect and how to prevent it, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

• Álvarez Torres, S.M. (2012). Werther Effect: A proposal for intervention in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication (UPV/EHU). Northern Mental Health Magazine, 10 (42), 48-55.