Understanding public reactions to state security officials' suicide cases in online news comments

Death Stud. 2023;47(4):499-508. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2101074. Epub 2022 Jul 19.

Abstract

Little is known about public reactions to state security officials' suicide in Muslim countries like Pakistan. To explore readers' reactions in online comments, we analyzed 1,765 comments related to 10 news stories about suicide published in five mainstream English newspapers. The findings revealed six themes: stress, depression, and mental health issues; controversial investigation reports and misinformation; need for stronger accountability to address corruption in the country; criticizing media and security institutions; sympathy for the deceased and their families; and suicide and Islam. We recommend that suicide prevention organizations should monitor audience comments to devise and suggest resources for the public.

MeSH terms

  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Mass Media
  • Pakistan
  • Social Responsibility
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Suicide*