The Psychology of ’ 13 Reasons Why, ’ Suicide & High School Life

After watching the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why,” I can see why it was picked up for a second season. It’s an engaging story with well-drawn characters that are more complex than typical high-school stereotypes. It’s a story that deals with a bunch of difficult topics students in high school face — texting, photo-sharing of a sexual nature, drinking, drugs, bullying, sexual assault, and, yes, suicide. Some say the series idolizes suicide. Critics claim the series makes suicide look attractive, beautiful, tragic, and that the show contributes to dangerous suicide contagion. Some say the series isn’t that bad and it’s a realistic portrayal of the challenges of modern high school life. So where’s the truth? Somewhere in-between. “13 Reasons Why” is a series that explores the life and times of a teenager, Hannah Baker, who ends her life. But not before leaving behind seven old-school cassette tapes filled on both sides with her story (six tapes of two sides, and one tape with one side = 13 reasons why). We hear the gist of each tape along with one of the main characters in the story, Clay, who’s also listening to them one by one. The series flashes between the present and the past, showing scenes involving Hannah and the focus of the tape — a different friend or acquaintance from school — in each episode. The series works as a sort of murder mystery, but in reverse. And the person who died wasn...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Children and Teens Depression Disorders General Minding the Media Policy and Advocacy Psychology Suicide 13 Reasons Why coping with suicide Hannah Baker Sexual Assault Suicidal Thoughts suicide decision Source Type: blogs