Earlier this year, I attended the European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behavior (ESSSB) in Rome. One of the plenary presentations by Prof Thomas Niederkrotenthaler, of the Medical University of Vienna, illuminated the powerful impact of the “Papageno Effect” on suicide prevention.
Unlike the “Werther Effect”, where media portrayals of suicide can lead to imitative behaviors (aka Copycat or Contagion), the “Papageno Effect” focuses on the protective benefits of positive storytelling. Named after a character in Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute," who chooses life over death after being reminded of alternative solutions for coping with his misery, this effect underscores the importance of sharing stories of hope and recovery.
The Power of Positive Storytelling
Research has increasingly demonstrated that stories showcasing personal experiences with suicidal ideation, followed by narratives of overcoming these challenges, can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts among individuals exposed to such content. Niederkrotenthaler's studies have shown that these stories, which portray resilience and coping strategies, not only decrease suicidal ideation but also increase knowledge about suicide prevention and encourage help-seeking behavior.
The Papageno Effect works by presenting alternative coping mechanisms, providing hope, and emphasizing the possibility of recovery. This approach is particularly effective when the storytellers themselves have lived experiences of suicidal thoughts or attempts and have successfully navigated through these dark periods to emerge stronger. It helps vulnerable individuals see that there is hope and that their situations, while dire, are not insurmountable.
Linking Research to Practice: United Suicide Survivors International
At United Suicide Survivors International, we have integrated the principles of the Papageno Effect into our work, particularly through our storytelling online courses and retreats. These programs are designed to empower suicide attempt survivors and those affected by suicide by teaching them how to share their stories effectively and safely. Our online education courses and storytelling retreats offer a supportive space where participants can craft their narratives of hope and recovery, equipping them with the tools to inspire others and potentially save lives.
One of our key initiatives, the Eye of the Survivor Storytelling Retreat, has shown remarkable results. According to recent feedback, 72% of participants found the retreat to be extremely impactful, with many noting increased confidence in sharing their stories in both private and public settings. This aligns with findings from Niederkrotenthaler’s research, which highlights the positive effects of sharing personal recovery stories in public forums.
Real-Life Impact of Storytelling: Recent Findings
Our recent retreats and workshops, like the one covered in KSHB's "Eye of the Survivor" (Kansas City, MO) segment (2024), have further reinforced the importance of storytelling in suicide prevention. Participants from the retreat reported feeling empowered and more connected to others who have experienced similar struggles. Such connections foster a sense of community and belonging, crucial elements for recovery and prevention. The video can be viewed here.
Additionally, the Construction Mental Health Storytelling Retreat highlighted in the video titled "Survivor Stories Unleashed" (2024) showed that storytelling could break down barriers and biases and build support networks in even the most rugged professional environments. The retreat provided a platform for sharing experiences, which is vital for creating understanding and fostering mental health awareness.
“The Art and Science of Storytelling in Suicide Prevention”delves into how narratives can influence emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Storytelling helps create emotional connections and can change perspectives on life and death, encouraging individuals to seek help and support.
Join Us and Become Part of the Change
The evidence is clear: positive storytelling can save lives. If you are interested in learning how to share your own story of hope and recovery or want to support others in doing so, consider enrolling in our online courses or attending one of our storytelling retreats.
These programs provide invaluable skills and a supportive community, empowering you to contribute to a global movement of hope and recovery.
Enroll today and become part of the change by telling your story through a hero’s journey framework: Online Education | Workshops and Retreats https://www.unitesurvivors.com/workshopsretreats
Videos on Storytelling and Suicide Prevention
KSHB (2024). "Eye of the Survivor' supports suicide prevention through storytelling". This video segment covers the impact of the Eye of the Survivor Storytelling Retreat on suicide prevention. Available at: YouTube.
Survivor Stories Unleashed (2024). Empowering Journeys at Construction Mental Health Storytelling Retreat. This video highlights the storytelling retreat for mental health in the construction industry. Available at: YouTube.
The Art and Science of Storytelling in Suicide Prevention. This video explores the influence of storytelling on suicide prevention strategies. Available at: YouTube.
References
Niederkrotenthaler, T. et al. (2019). Suicide and the Media: From Werther to Papageno Effects – A Selective Literature Review. Suicidologi, 2(2019). This study provides an overview of how positive media portrayals (Papageno Effect) can reduce suicidal ideation and promote hope and recovery.
Spencer-Thomas (2024). Eye of the Survivor Storytelling Retreat Impact Report. Unpublished data from the August 2024 storytelling retreat, showing participant feedback on the impact of the program on their confidence and willingness to share their stories. Findings suggest a significant impact on participants' confidence and likelihood to share their experiences.
Kirchner, S., & Niederkrotenthaler, T. (2019). Experiences of suicide survivors of sharing their stories about suicidality and overcoming a crisis in media and public talks: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health.2024 Jan 10;24(1):142. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-17661-4. This study focuses on the impact of media on suicide prevention among vulnerable groups.
Niederkrotenthaler, T., Till, B., & Arendt, F. (2019). Effect of educative suicide prevention news articles featuring experts with vs. without personal experience of suicidal ideation: A randomized controlled trial of the Papageno effect. J Clin Psychiatry. This study examines the impact of storytelling on reducing suicidal ideation.