ALMEIDA, Ana Filipa. Efeito de Werther. []. , 18, 1, pp.37-51. ISSN 0870-8231.

The format of the present study lies in the common assumption of the Werther effect in the literature, that is, despite the fact that the improvement of the methodological progress has improved our knowledge on the effects of imitation, the mental schemes and motivations underlying this process remain contradicting and obscure. Thus, we intend to develop an investigation methodology which doesn´t focus only on the quantitative perspective, but that will also allow the possibility of a presentation that lies in the qualitative aspect of the Werther effect phenomenon. The problem and the hypothesis which were particularly placed in parallel were elaborated through the investigation of the characteristics associated with the Werther effect. In this context, it was possible to make an approach in the sense that the proximity of a friend who commited suicide can eventually account for a most likely prognosis of the consequent suicidal ideation. Our approach particularly seeks to achieve the purpose that the proximity to a friend who tried to commit suicide may encourage the imitation in adolescents. Thus, by being aware of the magnitude of the imitation suicidal behaviour in adolescents one will be able to elaborate and implement strategies in individuals at risk, with the final aim of preventing suicidal groups generated by imitation.

: Werther effect; adolescents; suicidal ideation.

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