The experiences of people bereaved by suicide regarding the press reporting of the death: qualitative study.
Philip GregoryFiona StevensonMichael KingDavid OsbornAlexandra Laura PitmanPublished in: BMC public health (2020)
The findings from our British sample provide journalists with personal perspectives from bereaved relatives on the impact of media intrusion, speculation, and misrepresentation, and an insight into disparate views on the nature of information relatives feel comfortable disclosing. These findings suggest a need for journalists' training to include exposure to such views, to heighten awareness of potentially distressing effects and the nuances of bereaved people's preferences. This should aim to encourage journalists to consult with bereaved relatives more sensitively, whilst also remaining mindful of media guidelines on the reporting of suicide.