The Papageno Effect: Harnessing the Power of The Media to Prevent Suicide

Authors

  • Muslimbek Yuldashev Associate Professor, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan
  • Sadokat Jalolova First-Year Master’s Student, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan

Keywords:

Papageno effect, suicide prevention, mental health

Abstract

While media reporting of suicide has long been scrutinized for its potentially harmful influence, recent research emphasizes the constructive role that responsible media can play in suicide prevention. This article explores the Papageno effect—named after a character in Mozart’s opera—highlighting how stories of resilience and help-seeking behavior can protect vulnerable audiences. Drawing on empirical data and international best practices, the paper underscores the importance of evidence-based journalism in mental health advocacy.

References

World Health Organization. Preventing Suicide: A Resource for Media Professionals. WHO, 2017. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/258814/9789241513289-eng.pdf

Scherr, S., & Steinleitner, A. Between Werther and Papageno Effects: The Role of Media in Suicide Prevention. Der Nervenarzt, 2015, 86(9), 1001–1006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00115-015-4260-6

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Niederkrotenthaler, T., & Till, B. (2019). Suicide and the Media: From Werther to Papageno Effects – A Selective Literature Review. Journal Suicidologi, 24(2).

Ramchand, R., Acosta, J., Rachel, M., & Lisa, B. (2011). The War Within: Preventing Suicide in the U.S. Military. RAND Corporation.

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Published

2025-06-12