Australian media professionals’ views on reporting suicide and evidence-informed guidelines

A qualitative study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID22945379
AutoresJaelea Skehan (0000-0003-4854-7243, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle , University Dr, Newcastle NSW 2308 ,, autor de correspondencia), Myfanwy Maple (0000-0001-9398-4886, University of New England), Eva Paton (0000-0003-4649-4862, University of Newcastle Australia), Elizabeth Paton (Everymind , PO Box 833, Newcastle, NSW 2300 ,), Jennifer Peprah (0000-0003-2610-7378, Everymind , PO Box 833, Newcastle, NSW 2300 ,), Jane Pirkis (0000-0002-2538-4472, The University of Melbourne), Brian Kelly (0000-0003-1834-2992, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle , University Dr, Newcastle NSW 2308 ,)
Año2026
Volumen41
Número1
Fecha de publicación2026-01-07
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
EditorialOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daag019
PMID41711177
OpenAlexW7130574390
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas30

Collaborating with media to promote safe reporting of suicide is recognized as a promising population-level prevention strategy. While Australian media professionals are broadly aware of, and supportive of, existing guidelines for reporting suicide, variability in agreement with specific recommendations suggests a need to further explore underlying views and perceptions about reporting suicide and associated guidelines. This study analyzed responses from 83 media professionals responding to an open-ended question within a national cross-sectional survey. Using inductive thematic analysis, three key themes were collaboratively constructed: (i) reporting suicide can provide community benefits; (ii) tension exists between applying guidelines and concerns they may restrict media reporting; and (iii) there is an interaction between lived experience of suicide and media professionals’ views about reporting. Findings highlight the complexity of balancing public health objectives with media practices and underscore the importance of nuanced engagement with media professionals to strengthen guideline implementation.

Guideline · Media campaign · Media coverage · Perception · Poison control · Qualitative research · Suicide prevention · Thematic analysis · Gun Ownership and Violence Research · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies