
Child Psychiatrists: We Desperately Need More Shows Like & Juliet
This show is an example of how performances can be used to improve public mental health through inclusive and authentic positive representation, and inspiring hope.
When the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) annual meeting is in New York City, child psychiatrists will dash to Broadway. But there was something special about this musical that drew their attention. As a part of the AACAP program entitled, “Mozart Across the Millenia, A New Papageno Production: & Juliet,” nearly 100 AACAP members saw the show in an effort to explore the potential Papageno (or suicide protective) effect of the musical as Juliet’s alternate ending involves her overcoming a suicidal crisis and finding non-suicide alternatives. The term “Papageno Effect” was named after a character in Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute who overcomes his own suicidal crisis with the help of 3 spirits. In a country where
This adaptation of Romeo & Juliet sends the hopeful message that we do not know what good things may be around the corner, to the upbeat backdrop of Max Martin’s pop hits. At the same time, it highlights one’s sense of personal agency in the ability to problem solve, turn that corner together with trusted supports, and forge a new path.
Research has shown that media can confer suicide contagion or suicide protective effects which are likely mediated through social learning of modeled behavior depicted on screen.2,4,5 For example, if a character is shown to reach out for help, a viewer who identifies with that character may be more likely to do the same. Because of this research, guidelines have been made publicly available for news and entertainment media.6,7 & Juliet did a great job of following the guidelines of showing that help is available, portraying characters with suicidal thoughts who do not go on to die by suicide, and portraying everyday characters who can be a lifeline. In the show, multiple characters face relatable struggles, leaning on each other to work through their problems. Juliet knows her worth in a society that has decided she has none. May is a
Research also focuses on the importance of authentic and positive representation in media. In their 2022 report,8 the Center for Scholars and Storytellers noted that LGBTQ+ teens ranked
A shared commentary from the AACAP attendees was that unfortunately this production is not accessible to all youth who may benefit from it. However, our hope is that by spreading the word of its potentially positive effects, & Juliet may reach more individuals and encourage the creation of similarly preventative productions. If it is adapted for screen (as has been done for productions like Hamilton), its reach would be wider still, especially since youth are actually spending the largest fraction of their screen time streaming shows/movies.11 As a tool for advocacy and public health, media has great potential to reach a large audience. Its effect for change could even be measured in human lives saved.
Dr Sust is clinical assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, and a child & adolescent psychiatry specialist. Dr Harness is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr Berson is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Greenville, SC.
References
1. 10 Leading Causes of Death, United States, 2020. National Vital Statistics System; National Center for Health Statistics; CDC. Accessed January 15, 2024.
2. Bridge JA, Greenhouse JB, Ruch D, et al.
3. Issues impacting LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project. 2022. Accessed January 15, 2024.
4. Domaradzki J.
5. Niederkrotenthaler T, Till B, Kirchner S, et al.
6. Reporting on suicide prevention. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 2021. Accessed January 15, 2024.
7. Entertainment messaging. National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Accessed January 15, 2024.
8. Rivas-Lara S, Pham B, Baten J, et al. CSS teens & screens 2022. Center for Scholars & Storytellers; UCLA. 2022. Accessed January 15, 2024.
9. Lai CK, Marini M, Lehr SA, et al.
10. The Trevor Project Research Brief: Accepting Adults Reduce Suicide Attempts Among LGBTQ Youth. The Trevor Project. 2019. Accessed January 15, 2024.
11. Nagata JM, Abdel Magid HS, Pettee Gabriel K.
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