The "Werther-Effect" - Origin and historical background

Objective: Ever so often one can read about the ,,Werther effect" in psychi atric literature. Until now this term has not lost its imaginative power, a nd still has its impact as well as being the subject of controversial discu ssion. Method: In order to clarify the ,,Werther effect", it seemed first of all n ecessary to illuminate the real biographical background of Goethe's ,,The s orrows of young Werther" and the extraordinarily eventful history of its re ception. Results: This essay also cites comments on this novel made by various perso nalities and authorities in an attempt to provide some hints on the real im pact that Goethe's novel had at its time and showing the quarrels it brough t about. Conclusions: Here the author comes to the conclusion that considering the i deologies prevailing at that time (late enlightenment and sentimentalism) t he dispute about Goethe's work only aims at hiding the actual discussion ab out the poeple's right of self-determination.