This briefing compares questionnaire results from the 2008 and 2013 Young Life and Times survey on self-harm and help seeking behaviour for young people in Northern Ireland, to identify any changes in young people's behaviours. The survey invites every 16-year old born in February and March of the survey year who receives Child Benefit Payments to take part. The numbers of 16 year olds responding to the survey was 941 in 2008 (23% response rate) and 1,367 in 2013 (35% response rate). Key findings include: a slight increase in the number of 16-year old's who said they self-harmed from 2008 to 2013; in both years, more females were more likely than males to say they thought about self-harm or did self-harm; a smaller percentage had talked to someone or tried to get help before self-harming;
(Original abstract)
This briefing compares questionnaire results from the 2008 and 2013 Young Life and Times survey on self-harm and help seeking behaviour for young people in Northern Ireland, to identify any changes in young people's behaviours. The survey invites every 16-year old born in February and March of the survey year who receives Child Benefit Payments to take part. The numbers of 16 year olds responding to the survey was 941 in 2008 (23% response rate) and 1,367 in 2013 (35% response rate). Key findings include: a slight increase in the number of 16-year old's who said they self-harmed from 2008 to 2013; in both years, more females were more likely than males to say they thought about self-harm or did self-harm; a smaller percentage had talked to someone or tried to get help before self-harming; there was also a large drop in the number of young people who talked to friends before self-harming. However, the survey also found that most self-harming people do not use helplines for support. More work needs to be done to encourage young people to show young people where they can go for support.
(Original abstract)
Subject terms:
self-harm, young people, service uptake, surveys, mental health problems;
A consultation document, seeking views on the national action plan to reduce suicide and self-harm in Wales. The plan sets out the strategic aims and objectives for the period 2014- 2019. It identifies priority people, places and actions and sets out how to deliver action nationally and locally. The consultation period ends on 5 March 2015.
(Edited publisher abstract)
A consultation document, seeking views on the national action plan to reduce suicide and self-harm in Wales. The plan sets out the strategic aims and objectives for the period 2014- 2019. It identifies priority people, places and actions and sets out how to deliver action nationally and locally. The consultation period ends on 5 March 2015.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
suicide, self-harm, mental health problems, prevention, government policy;
University of Edinburgh. Centre for Research on Families and Relationships
Publication year:
2014
Pagination:
4
Place of publication:
Edinburgh
Research briefing which summarises the results of research into how self-harm was understood by a group of 122 young people, mostly aged 13-16 years. In the study 33 young people participated in 6 focus groups and a further 88 young people completed a qualitative online survey. The results look methods of self-harm reported; why people self-harm; and young people's views on self-harm as 'attention-seeking'; . The most common reasons for self harm were as a way of dealing with emotions and a way of communicating to others. There was some disagreement about the extent to which self-harm was related to mental illness and also about whether publicising self harm on the internet was for 'attention-seeking'. The research indicated that self-harm could have some positive meanings for some young people
(Edited publisher abstract)
Research briefing which summarises the results of research into how self-harm was understood by a group of 122 young people, mostly aged 13-16 years. In the study 33 young people participated in 6 focus groups and a further 88 young people completed a qualitative online survey. The results look methods of self-harm reported; why people self-harm; and young people's views on self-harm as 'attention-seeking'; . The most common reasons for self harm were as a way of dealing with emotions and a way of communicating to others. There was some disagreement about the extent to which self-harm was related to mental illness and also about whether publicising self harm on the internet was for 'attention-seeking'. The research indicated that self-harm could have some positive meanings for some young people and so focusing on cessation can be counter productive.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
young people, self-harm, attitudes, user views, mental health problems;
Journal of Mental Health, 23(3), 2014, pp.115-119.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
London
Background: Risk assessment forms a key component in self-harm management. Among self-harm presentations generally, lethality of an index act is a poor predictor of future non-fatal repetition. However, no study has examined whether severity of an index self-cutting episode is associated with prospective repetition.
Aims: To examine factors associated with severity of self-cutting and in particular the association between severity of self-cutting and prospective repetition of self-harm.
Methods: All index self-cutting presentations to emergency departments in Ireland over 5 years were grouped by treatment received and compared on the basis of demographic and clinical characteristics.
Results: Receiving more extensive medical treatment was associated with male gender, being aged more than 15 years, and not combining self-harm methods. Receiving less extensive treatment conferred a higher risk of prospective 12-month repetition, even after controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. Repeat self-harm presentations by those with more severe self-cutting in an index act were less prevalent but were more likely to involve high-lethality methods of self-harm.
Discussion:
(Publisher abstract)
Background: Risk assessment forms a key component in self-harm management. Among self-harm presentations generally, lethality of an index act is a poor predictor of future non-fatal repetition. However, no study has examined whether severity of an index self-cutting episode is associated with prospective repetition.
Aims: To examine factors associated with severity of self-cutting and in particular the association between severity of self-cutting and prospective repetition of self-harm.
Methods: All index self-cutting presentations to emergency departments in Ireland over 5 years were grouped by treatment received and compared on the basis of demographic and clinical characteristics.
Results: Receiving more extensive medical treatment was associated with male gender, being aged more than 15 years, and not combining self-harm methods. Receiving less extensive treatment conferred a higher risk of prospective 12-month repetition, even after controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. Repeat self-harm presentations by those with more severe self-cutting in an index act were less prevalent but were more likely to involve high-lethality methods of self-harm.
Discussion: The results indicate that the already-elevated repetition risk among self-cutting patients is further increased for those receiving less extensive wound closure treatment. Severity of self-cutting might also affect suicide risk but such an association has yet to be examined.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
self-harm, hospitals, risk, patients, mental health problems;
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 18(3), 2014, pp.238-248.
Publisher:
Sage
Place of publication:
London
This article critical analyses the literature concerning the factors that lead to non-interventionism towards self-injurious behaviour (SIB) in the field of intellectual disability and makes recommendations for the development of practice. It emerges that the limited behaviour analytic skills of practitioners impede the implementation of behavioural interventions and allow SIB to persist. The implications for the development of in-service training and managerial support that would disseminate the implementation of behavioural interventions are briefly discussed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This article critical analyses the literature concerning the factors that lead to non-interventionism towards self-injurious behaviour (SIB) in the field of intellectual disability and makes recommendations for the development of practice. It emerges that the limited behaviour analytic skills of practitioners impede the implementation of behavioural interventions and allow SIB to persist. The implications for the development of in-service training and managerial support that would disseminate the implementation of behavioural interventions are briefly discussed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
British Journal of Psychiatry, 204(4), 2014, pp.267-273.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
This study uses records of completed suicides in Scotland over a 30-year period (1981 to 2010) to analyse patterns after last discharge by hospital type (general or psychiatric) and according to diagnosis (psychiatric diagnosis or 'injuries or poisoning'). Of those who died by suicide (n = 16 411), 66% (n = 10 907) had linkable previous hospital records. Those who died by suicide were 3.1 times more frequently last discharged from general than from psychiatric hospitals; 24% of deaths occurred within 3 months of hospital discharge (58% of these from a general hospital). Only 14% of those discharged from a general hospital had a recorded psychiatric diagnosis at last visit; an additional 19% were found to have a previous lifetime psychiatric diagnosis. Median time between last discharge and death was fourfold greater in those without a psychiatric history. Diagnoses also revealed that less than half of those last discharged from general hospital had had a main diagnosis of ‘injury or poisoning’. Concludes that suicide prevention activity, including a better psychiatric evaluation of patients within general hospital settings deserves more attention. Improved information flow between secondary and primary care could be facilitated by exploiting electronic records of previous psychiatric diagnoses.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This study uses records of completed suicides in Scotland over a 30-year period (1981 to 2010) to analyse patterns after last discharge by hospital type (general or psychiatric) and according to diagnosis (psychiatric diagnosis or 'injuries or poisoning'). Of those who died by suicide (n = 16 411), 66% (n = 10 907) had linkable previous hospital records. Those who died by suicide were 3.1 times more frequently last discharged from general than from psychiatric hospitals; 24% of deaths occurred within 3 months of hospital discharge (58% of these from a general hospital). Only 14% of those discharged from a general hospital had a recorded psychiatric diagnosis at last visit; an additional 19% were found to have a previous lifetime psychiatric diagnosis. Median time between last discharge and death was fourfold greater in those without a psychiatric history. Diagnoses also revealed that less than half of those last discharged from general hospital had had a main diagnosis of ‘injury or poisoning’. Concludes that suicide prevention activity, including a better psychiatric evaluation of patients within general hospital settings deserves more attention. Improved information flow between secondary and primary care could be facilitated by exploiting electronic records of previous psychiatric diagnoses.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
suicide, death, hospital discharge, acute psychiatric care, hospitals, self-harm, severe mental health problems;
This research review looks at what interventions might be effective in reducing rates of suicide, self harm and suicide ideation in young people in Wales. It follows a methodology based on systematic review principles but used secondary sources of evidence (NICE guidance and systematic reviews of primary research). It provides a partial updated to a previous systematic review. Evidence is grouped according to the different approaches to intervention. Universal interventions such as tackling stigma, increasing awareness, encouraging help seeking; Selective/targeted interventions such as gatekeeper training in particular settings, early identification, screening for risk; and indicated interventions which reduce the recurrence in those with known suicidal behaviour such as self harm. Suggestions for future programmes in Wales are included.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This research review looks at what interventions might be effective in reducing rates of suicide, self harm and suicide ideation in young people in Wales. It follows a methodology based on systematic review principles but used secondary sources of evidence (NICE guidance and systematic reviews of primary research). It provides a partial updated to a previous systematic review. Evidence is grouped according to the different approaches to intervention. Universal interventions such as tackling stigma, increasing awareness, encouraging help seeking; Selective/targeted interventions such as gatekeeper training in particular settings, early identification, screening for risk; and indicated interventions which reduce the recurrence in those with known suicidal behaviour such as self harm. Suggestions for future programmes in Wales are included.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
suicide, self-harm, young people, children, intervention, assessment, prevention;
Mental Health Review Journal, 19(1), 2014, pp.61-71.
Publisher:
Emerald
... and self-harm resources on the internet and to establish a consensus about what constitutes harmful and helpful exchange. This needs to be based on: a comprehensive and informed range of search terms; a clear distinction between types of resource; a clear and consistent rationale for distinguishing and categorizing sites; a systematic replicable methodology for plotting the scope, content, accessibility,
(Publisher abstract)
Purpose: The internet plays an important role in the lives of self-harming and suicidal young people yet little is known about how internet use influences this behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence base with a view to determining directions for future research and practice.
Design/methodology/approach: Literature relating to self-harming and suicidal behaviour, young people, and the internet is reviewed with a focus on content and methodology.
Findings: The internet provides access to: “how-to” descriptions of suicide; unregulated/illegal online pharmacies; forums to spread this information; access to others seeking to end their own lives. Such sites are believed to elevate risk amongst vulnerable individuals. Conversely, the internet provides access to intervention and prevention activity, online support groups, advice, and personal chat. These can be a key resource in helping young people. There is a lack of consensus on what constitutes harmful and helpful online exchange, often evidenced in disparity between the perceptions of professionals and users.
Research limitations/implications – Research is needed to map out a more accurate picture of suicide and self-harm resources on the internet and to establish a consensus about what constitutes harmful and helpful exchange. This needs to be based on: a comprehensive and informed range of search terms; a clear distinction between types of resource; a clear and consistent rationale for distinguishing and categorizing sites; a systematic replicable methodology for plotting the scope, content, accessibility, and popularity of web resources at a given point in time; the views of young people who use these sites, as well as practitioners and professionals.
Practical implications: Practitioners need to: regularly assess the quantity, quality, and nature of self-harm/suicide focused internet use amongst service users; be aware of which sites are most appropriate for particular individuals; promote sites directed at young people that enhance effective coping. Professional mental health organizations need to find ways of ensuring that: they are consistently well represented amongst search results online; sites are readily accessible; more practitioners are trained in text-based communications.
Originality/value: This paper offers a framework and rationale for future research and for those involved in service provision, policy, and practice.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
internet, prevention, suicide, young people, self-harm, literature reviews, information technology;
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 29(12), 2014, pp.1198-1211.
Publisher:
Wiley
Objective: To review and synthesises the descriptive and analytic epidemiology of suicide in long-term care settings over the past 25 years.
Methods: Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Web of Knowledge, and EBSCOHost Academic Search Complete) were searched for empirical studies of suicide risk in nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential facilities from 1985 to 2013. Of the 4073 unique research articles identified, 37 were selected for inclusion in this review.
Results: Of the included reports, 21 were cross-sectional, 8 cohort, 3 qualitative, and 5 intervention studies. Most studies indicate that suicidal thoughts (active and passive) are common among residents (prevalence in the past month: 5–33%), although completed suicide is rare. Correlates of suicidal thoughts among long-term care residents include depression, social isolation, loneliness, and functional decline. Most studies examined only individual-level correlates of suicide, although there is suggestive evidence that organizational characteristics (e.g., bed size and staffing) may also be relevant.
Conclusions: Existing research on suicide risk in long-term care facilities is limited but suggests that this is an important issue for clinicians and medical directors to be aware of and address. Research is needed on suicide risk in assisted living and other non-nursing home residential settings, as well as the potential role of organizational characteristics on emotional well-being for residents.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objective: To review and synthesises the descriptive and analytic epidemiology of suicide in long-term care settings over the past 25 years.
Methods: Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Web of Knowledge, and EBSCOHost Academic Search Complete) were searched for empirical studies of suicide risk in nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential facilities from 1985 to 2013. Of the 4073 unique research articles identified, 37 were selected for inclusion in this review.
Results: Of the included reports, 21 were cross-sectional, 8 cohort, 3 qualitative, and 5 intervention studies. Most studies indicate that suicidal thoughts (active and passive) are common among residents (prevalence in the past month: 5–33%), although completed suicide is rare. Correlates of suicidal thoughts among long-term care residents include depression, social isolation, loneliness, and functional decline. Most studies examined only individual-level correlates of suicide, although there is suggestive evidence that organizational characteristics (e.g., bed size and staffing) may also be relevant.
Conclusions: Existing research on suicide risk in long-term care facilities is limited but suggests that this is an important issue for clinicians and medical directors to be aware of and address. Research is needed on suicide risk in assisted living and other non-nursing home residential settings, as well as the potential role of organizational characteristics on emotional well-being for residents.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
long term care, suicide, self-harm, nursing homes, care homes, older people, residents, supported housing;
Trolling is a form of online bullying that can devastate young people. But the more you look into it, the more disturbing it gets, with new evidence emerging that some young people are trolling themselves. Asks if this a cry for help, a form of self harm
or a bit of both?
(Edited publisher abstract)
Trolling is a form of online bullying that can devastate young people. But the more you look into it, the more disturbing it gets, with new evidence emerging that some young people are trolling themselves. Asks if this a cry for help, a form of self harm
or a bit of both?
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
bullying, school children, vulnerable children, internet, monitoring, self-harm, behaviour problems, information technology, safeguarding children, children;