What is the Papageno effect?
The Papageno effect refers to the protective effect of media stories about people overcoming suicidal crises. It is named after Papageno in Mozart’s *The Magic Flute*, who is helped to find another way. Niederkrotenthaler et al. (2010) linked such Austrian news stories with lower subsequent suicide rates, in contrast to the Werther effect of sensational coverage.
Safe reporting
WHO guidelines advise avoiding method details and always including where to find help.
Where to get help
📌 At a glance
- Korea
- 109 (suicide prevention), 1577-0199 (mental health crisis)
- US
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- UK/Ireland
- Samaritans 116 123
- Emergency
- Local emergency number
Frequently asked questions
- How does it differ from the Werther effect?
- The Werther effect is increased risk after sensational coverage; the Papageno effect is protection from coping stories.
- Where does the name come from?
- From Papageno in The Magic Flute.
References
- Niederkrotenthaler, T., Voracek, M., Herberth, A., et al. (2010). Role of media reports in completed and prevented suicide: Werther v. Papageno effects. British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(3), 234–243.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Preventing suicide: A resource for media professionals (2023 update).
- 보건복지부·한국생명존중희망재단. (2024). 자살보도 권고기준 4.0.