Jayden Cohen
Class of 2027Livingston, New Jersey
About
Projects
- "How does entertainment perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about suicide and suicide prevention?" with mentor Jazlyn (Working project)
Project Portfolio
How does entertainment perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about suicide and suicide prevention?
Started Apr. 16, 2026
Abstract or project description
This project will investigate how how closely TV and film for adolescents and young adults align with current suicide prevention standards and evidence-based guidance. The specific TV show that will be analyzed is "13 Reasons Why" and the films are "Dead Poets Society" and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". This investigation will be done by first developing a coding system to rate each show of film if they are: (1) fact based, (2) language/tone used around suicide, and if they show (3) accurate depictions of help seeking and resources. Qualitative analyses will be conducted once each show or film has been coded. A literature review on theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches to suicide prevention will shape the coding and analytical approach.