How a hip hop song from 2017 potentially saved lives by increasing calls to a suicide prevention hotline | Thomas Niederkrotenthaler

Episode 4 | Season 3

A word of warning before we start—this episode discusses mental health and suicide. You may skip this episode if the topics are unsuitable for you or those you are with.

In today’s episode, Associate Professor Thomas Niederkrotenthaler shares how positive stories have a role in suicide prevention. He also shares how Logic’s song ‘1-800-273-8255’ led to an increase in calls to Lifeline.

TIME STAMPS

[00:00] Warning that the podcast discusses mental health and suicide. 

[00:13] Introduction to Associate Professor Thomas Niederkrotenthaler.

[01:42] Werther effect.

[05:25] Peer-reviewed research on the media’s role in suicide prevention.

[08:49] Papageno effect.

[12:37] Differences in the Werther and Papageno effects in the news versus in entertainment.

[17:59] Research findings from the British Medical Journal study on Logic’s song ‘1-800-273-8255’.

[24:30] Whether it was possible to know from the research findings how much the music video and live performance had on suicide prevention.

[27:50] ‘13 Reasons Why’ TV show.

[33.26] Advancements in research since the 2021 British Medical Journal study on Logic’s song ‘1-800-273-8255’.

[39:26] How Thomas became aware of the song.

[40:52] Possible future implications of music on mental health, the wider society and future generations.

[43:54] What motivates Thomas to do research on mental health.

[45:39] What living healthier today means to Thomas.

[47:18] Advice for his 18-year-old self.

[50:34] Thomas asks Jared what is his motivation for doing the podcast.

[52:00] Where to seek mental health crisis support.

[52:21] Freelance artist sings an acoustic rendition of Logic’s song ‘1-800-273-8255’.

Music (except for the cover song at the end) and sound effects: Storyblocks.

Photo: Associate Professor Thomas Niederkrotenthaler (courtesy of the Medical University of Vienna).

RESOURCES

BMJ study on Logic’s song ‘1-800-273-8255’.

WHO guidelines for responsible reporting of suicide.

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DISCLAIMER

The Healthier Today podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please speak to a health professional for specific individual health advice.

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