TY - JOUR

T1 - Searching Online for Methods of Suicide A Content Analysis of Danish and English-Language Websites Describing Methods of Suicide

AU - Eriksen, Christian Ulrich

AU - Konradsen, Flemming

AU - Vildekilde, Thilde

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Background: Information on methods of suicide is available online, and access to information on methods of suicide appears to contribute to a small but significant proportion of suicides.There is limited documentation of how methods of suicide are being profiled, as well as what content exists in other languages than English. Aim: We aimed to analyze and compare how methods of suicide are profiled on Danish and English-language websites. Method: We applied a categorization and content analysis of websites describing methods of suicide. Sites were retrieved by applying widely used Danish and English-language search terms. Results: A total of 136 English-language websites and 106 Danish-language websites were included for analysis. Websites were more often categorized as prevention or support sites, academic or policy sites, and against suicide sites than dedicated suicide sites (i.e., pro-suicide sites), or information sites. However, information on methods of suicide was available, and 20.1% and 8.9% of the English and Danish-language sites, respectively, suggested that a particular method of suicide was quick. easy. painless, or certain to result in death. Limitations: Only one author coded and analyzed all websites. A further operationalization of the content analysis checklist is warranted to increase reliability. Conclusion: The websites primarily had a prevention or anti-suicide focus, but information on methods of suicide was available, requiring an increased focus on how to diminish the negative effects of harmful online content.

AB - Background: Information on methods of suicide is available online, and access to information on methods of suicide appears to contribute to a small but significant proportion of suicides.There is limited documentation of how methods of suicide are being profiled, as well as what content exists in other languages than English. Aim: We aimed to analyze and compare how methods of suicide are profiled on Danish and English-language websites. Method: We applied a categorization and content analysis of websites describing methods of suicide. Sites were retrieved by applying widely used Danish and English-language search terms. Results: A total of 136 English-language websites and 106 Danish-language websites were included for analysis. Websites were more often categorized as prevention or support sites, academic or policy sites, and against suicide sites than dedicated suicide sites (i.e., pro-suicide sites), or information sites. However, information on methods of suicide was available, and 20.1% and 8.9% of the English and Danish-language sites, respectively, suggested that a particular method of suicide was quick. easy. painless, or certain to result in death. Limitations: Only one author coded and analyzed all websites. A further operationalization of the content analysis checklist is warranted to increase reliability. Conclusion: The websites primarily had a prevention or anti-suicide focus, but information on methods of suicide was available, requiring an increased focus on how to diminish the negative effects of harmful online content.

KW - methods of suicide

KW - Internet and suicidal behavior

KW - content analysis

KW - GOOGLING SUICIDE

KW - INTERNET USE

KW - INFORMATION

KW - ACCESSIBILITY

KW - PREVENTION

KW - PEOPLE

U2 - 10.1027/0227-5910/a000701

DO - 10.1027/0227-5910/a000701

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 32672520

VL - 42

SP - 136

EP - 143

JO - Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention

JF - Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention

SN - 0227-5910

IS - 2

ER -