Impact of “13 Reasons Why” on Youth and Suicide Awareness
Background of the Show
The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” premiered on March 31, 2017, triggering widespread controversy due to its focus on teen suicide. The narrative follows a character who explains the reasons behind their decision to take their own life, including experiences of assault and sexual violence. Critics expressed concerns about the potential for suicide contagion, calling for censorship or cancellation of the show, especially as youth suicide rates in the United States, particularly among females, have been escalating.
Psychologists’ Investigation
In response to the ongoing debate, psychologists sought to understand the true impact of the show by developing a questionnaire aimed at assessing its emotional and psychological effects on youth. Their findings were published in “Psychiatric Services in Advance.”
Survey Methodology
The study surveyed 87 participants aged 10 to 17, with an average age of 14, who had visited a psychiatric emergency department (ED) for suicide-related concerns between July 2017 and March 2018. Both youths and their parents or legal guardians completed self-reporting questionnaires during their visits. These questions aimed to identify significant predictors of suicidal thoughts and attempts six months post-visit.
The youth completed a 44-item questionnaire, while parents filled out a similar 36-item survey. The questionnaires explored factors such as the number of episodes watched, the timeline of viewership, motivations for watching or stopping the show, and discussions about the series with various individuals, including friends and mental health professionals. Additionally, youths answered questions regarding their identification with the main characters.
Findings on the Series’ Impact
The results revealed mixed outcomes regarding the show’s influence on suicidal risk. Twenty-one youths indicated that watching the series might have increased their risk of suicide to some extent, while 88% reported feeling a sense of empathy towards the lead characters. Overall, the response to the series was predominantly positive.
However, the data regarding the show’s impact on seeking help for mental health issues was inconclusive, with an equal number of youths reporting that they would be either less or more likely to confide in others about their concerns. Additionally, one-third of parents felt unprepared to discuss the series with their children, and only seven parents reported having conversations about suicide with their child.
Limitations of the Study
The study faced several limitations, including a small and homogenous participant group (predominantly Caucasian and female), inconsistencies in self-reported responses, and a lack of parental engagement with the series, which may have hindered productive discussions with their children.
Recommendations for Future Action
The findings underscore the necessity for further research and highlight the importance of developing tailored prevention programs for at-risk youths. Additionally, enhancing parental education and awareness is crucial to empower parents in navigating their children’s mental health challenges. A collaborative approach between media creators and mental health professionals is recommended to establish effective preventive measures moving forward.
Citation
Hong, V., Foster, C.J.E., Magness, C.S., McGuire, T.C., Smith, P.K., King, C.A. 2018. “13 Reasons Why: Viewing Patterns and Perceived Impact Among Youths at Risk of Suicide.” Psychiatric Services in Advance. DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201800384.