Abstract
ObjectivesDespite the common use of contagion to analogize the spread of suicide, there is a lack of rigorous assessment of the underlying concept or theory supporting the use of this term. The present study aims to examine the varied definitions and potential utility of the term contagion in suicide-related research.Methods100 initial records and 240 reference records in English were identified as relevant with our research objectives, through systematic literature screening. We then conducted narrative syntheses of various definitions and assessed their potential value for generating new research.Results20.3% of the 340 records used contagion as equivalent to clustering (contagion-as-cluster); 68.5% used it to refer to various, often related mechanisms underlying the clustering phenomenon (contagion-as-mechanism); and 11.2% without clear definition. Under the category of contagion-as-mechanism, four mechanisms have been proposed to explain how suicide clusters occurred: transmission (contagion-as-transmission), imitation (contagion-as-imitation), contextual influence (contagion-as-context), and affiliation (contagion-as-affiliation). Contagion-as-cluster both confounds and constrains inquiry into suicide clustering by blending proposed mechanism with the phenomenon to be studied. Contagion-as-transmission is, in essence, a double or internally redundant metaphor. Contagion-as-affiliation and contagion-as-context involve mechanisms that are common mechanisms that often occur independently of apparent contagion, or may serve as a facilitating background. When used indiscriminately, these terms may create research blind spots. Contagion-as-imitation combines perspectives from psychology, sociology, and public health research and provides the greatest heuristic utility for examining whether and how suicide and suicidal behaviors may spread among persons at both individual and population levels.ConclusionClarifying the concept of “suicide contagion” is an essential step for more thoroughly investigating its mechanisms. Developing a clearer understanding of the apparent spread of suicide-promoting influences can, in turn, offer insights necessary to build the scientific foundation for prevention and intervention strategies that can be applied at both individual and community levels.
Highlights
IntroductionDespite the increasingly common invocation of the term ‘‘contagion’’ (hereafter denoted as contagion when considering its specific meaning) to analogize the spread of suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and deaths [1,2,3], there has been scant effort to rigorously assess the underlying concept or theory supporting the use of this term, or appraise its practical utility
Despite the increasingly common invocation of the term ‘‘contagion’’ to analogize the spread of suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and deaths [1,2,3], there has been scant effort to rigorously assess the underlying concept or theory supporting the use of this term, or appraise its practical utility
One hundred twentyseven records were identified after excluding duplications and another 27 records were further excluded because they did not meet one or more of our three entry criteria: 1) must be academic publications, including empirical studies, reviews, commentaries, and discussion pieces published in academic journals, books, and conference proceedings; 2) must explicitly use contagion or contagious; and 3) have full-text available in English
Summary
Despite the increasingly common invocation of the term ‘‘contagion’’ (hereafter denoted as contagion when considering its specific meaning) to analogize the spread of suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and deaths [1,2,3], there has been scant effort to rigorously assess the underlying concept or theory supporting the use of this term, or appraise its practical utility. As shown in Merriam-Webster Dictionary, contagion in contemporary English has become looser in its use and can refer to rapid communication of an influence, which is not necessarily harmful, such as a doctrine or emotional state
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
