| Summary: | <p><strong>Background:</strong><br />
Media reporting may influence suicidal behavior. In-depth exploration of how self-harm and suicide are portrayed in newspaper articles in a middle-income country such as Sri Lanka is lacking.</p><br />
<p><strong>Aims:</strong><br />
We aimed to explore how self-harm and suicide are portrayed in Sri Lankan printed newspapers.</p><br />
<p><strong>Method:</strong><br />
Seven English- and Sinhala-language Sri Lankan newspapers were screened for articles reporting on self-harm and suicide (December 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015). A thematic analysis was conducted.</p><br />
<p><strong>Results:</strong><br />
In the 78 articles identified for analysis, certain aspects were overemphasized (inappropriate behavior) and others underemphasized (alcohol and complexities of self-harm). Explanations of self-harm were one-sided and a suicide prevention narrative was lacking.</p><br />
<p><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
Another time-frame and inclusion of Tamil newspapers as well as social media and online publications would provide additional understanding.</p><br />
<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong><br />
The study found an indication of simplistic reporting. Greater focus on prevention and a nuanced portrayal of self-harm could reduce stigma and imitative behavior.</p>
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