Media portrayals of assisted suicide before, during, and after legalization changes

Content analysis of the reporting in Austrian newspapers

Bibliographic Data

ID15527049
AuthorsPaul Pürcher (Medical University of Vienna), Barry Till (0000-0002-2099-5469, Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund), Benedikt Till, Thomas Niederkrotenthaler (0000-0001-9550-628X, Medical University of Vienna, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume16
Pages1617602-1617602
Publication date2025-09-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1617602
PMID41048900
OpenAlexW4414306267
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited30

This content analysis revealed distinct patterns in media reporting on AS and showed that reports were less aligned with media guidelines than previous analyses on non-assisted suicide. Some patterns identified across all time periods, particularly tendencies to stigmatize or romanticize AS before the legislation, likely reflect polarized public attitudes, which warrant attention in education efforts. This research highlights the importance of specific aspects of media guidelines during public debate on AS and the need to tailor them to this topic

Content analysis · Legalization · Mass media · Media content · Media coverage · Newspaper · Print media · Public opinion · Warrant · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies