Suicidology: Werther effect: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Suicidology: Werther effect

Sample item

After intense media coverage of a celebrity's suicide by a particular method, a measurable rise in suicides follows in the community. This phenomenon is known as

AThe Pygmalion effectBThe Werther effectCThe halo effectDThe Papageno effect

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. The Werther effect

The Werther effect refers to imitative suicides following sensational reporting of a suicide. The opposite, Papageno effect, describes a protective effect of media reports about coping and survival. Responsible reporting guidelines advise avoiding the method and glamourisation.

Option by option

A. The Pygmalion effect
The Pygmalion effect is the improvement of performance with higher expectations.
B. The Werther effect (correct)
Correct. Imitative suicide after media coverage is the Werther effect.
C. The halo effect
The halo effect is bias from one positive trait influencing other judgments.
D. The Papageno effect
The Papageno effect is the protective effect of coverage that emphasises coping.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, The Werther effect. The Werther effect refers to imitative suicides following sensational reporting of a suicide.

Why is "The Pygmalion effect" not the answer?

The Pygmalion effect is the improvement of performance with higher expectations.

Why is "The halo effect" not the answer?

The halo effect is bias from one positive trait influencing other judgments.

Why is "The Papageno effect" not the answer?

The Papageno effect is the protective effect of coverage that emphasises coping.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Suicidology: Werther effect in Psychiatry. The opposite, Papageno effect, describes a protective effect of media reports about coping and survival. Responsible reporting guidelines advise avoiding the method and glamourisation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Suicidology: Werther effect?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.