Copycat Suicide Attempt in a Child After Watching a Movie
Author Information
Author(s): Ghanizadeh Ahmad
Primary Institution: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Hypothesis
Does exposure to homicidal behavior in media lead to suicidal attempts in children under 10?
Conclusion
This case report suggests that watching homicidal behavior in media can lead to suicidal attempts in very young children.
Supporting Evidence
- Exposure to suicidal behavior in media increases copycat suicide.
- Younger people are more vulnerable to media influence.
- This is the first report of a copycat suicide attempt in a child under 10.
Takeaway
A 7-year-old boy tried to hang himself after watching a movie where soldiers were hanged, showing that movies can influence kids in dangerous ways.
Methodology
Case report of a 7-year-old boy who attempted suicide after watching a fictional movie.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on parental report and lack of detailed information about the movie.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
7-year-old boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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