ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Pop-Rock Music as Precipitating Cause in Youth Suicide
Farberow, NL
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, CA

Litman, RE
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, CA

(Received 16 August 1993; accepted 31 August 1993)

Abstract

The plaintiffs in a law suit alleged that the heavy metal rock band Judas Priest, and its publisher CBS, were liable for damages to two youths who shot themselves after listening to the band's album. Crucial issues included “proximate cause” and “precipitating cause” in suicide, and the alleged role of subliminal messages. The judge ruled that although the “heavy metal” music might have had a toxic influence, the sounds and words are protected by the free speech first amendment. The influence of subliminal messages on behavior is unproven. There were many other elements in the personalities and situations of the victims to account for their self-destructive behavior.

Keywords:
psychiatry, suicide, rock music, subliminal messages

Paper ID: JFS13621J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13621J
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