Marsden discusses the evolution of the term ‘suicide contagion’ as a phenomenon observed in the late 19th Century in France. Suicide contagion theory is based on the idea that a sociocultural phenomenon can spread rapidly throughout a population, much like a contagious disease (Marsden 1998). This transmission of behaviour from one another can serve as a stimulant for the imitative actions of another (Marsden 1998).
Suicide situated within the behavioural contagion sub-class of self-harm, suicide rates have been shown to be proportional to the magnitude, intensity, and exposure in populations (Marsden 1998). Using Marsden’s work, Hanssens (2011, p. 15) succinctly describes suicide contagion as “a process whereby exposure to suicidal behaviour
Suicide situated within the behavioural contagion sub-class of self-harm, suicide rates have been shown to be proportional to the magnitude, intensity, and exposure in populations (Marsden 1998). Using Marsden’s work, Hanssens (2011, p. 15) succinctly describes suicide contagion as “a process whereby exposure to suicidal behaviour