Newspaper Reporting of Female Suicide in India

Background: Newspapers can highlight sociocultural assumptions of acceptable gender behavior that are used to frame suicide, with males depicted as aggressive and independent, and females portrayed as dependent and submissive. Aims: This mixed-methods study builds on existing research by examining how female suicide is reported in Indian newspapers. Method: The database Pressreader was used to identify English-language newspaper articles in India that covered suicides between May 2021 and May 2022. In total, 205 articles were identified. Descriptive statistics and critical discourse analysis were used to explore the data in the articles. Results: Themes such as the possible misclassification of the death of minors, the use of euphemism to describe certain relationships, and attribution of blame through the criminal charge of abetment to suicide were identified. Women's suicides were usually framed as a result of interpersonal problems and viewed sympathetically. Limitations: Analyzing traditional broadsheets and local language newspapers, as well as comparing gender differences would allow for more robust conclusions to be drawn about reporting styles in India. Conclusion: This study provides recommendations, such as the use of reporting guidelines that are country-specific, and the need for further research that focuses on newspaper reporting and perception of suicide in India.