Journal of Family Therapy, 43(4), 2021, pp.665-686.
Publisher:
Wiley
The aim of the present study was to explore the experience of family relationships in an adult self-harm population. Relationships are concerned with the connection between two or more individuals and therefore a multi-perspective phenomenological design was employed to explore the perspectives of both adults who self-harm and their family members. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve adults: six who attend a community mental health service and engage in self-harm and six of their family members. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four superordinate themes emerged within the data: family and societal culture, coping with traumatic relationships, inner conflict and the generational impact. Findings highlight the importance of considering family relationships in the treatment of self-harm in adults. The impact of self-harm on family members is also illuminated, in addition to the need to develop and assess interventions for family members.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The aim of the present study was to explore the experience of family relationships in an adult self-harm population. Relationships are concerned with the connection between two or more individuals and therefore a multi-perspective phenomenological design was employed to explore the perspectives of both adults who self-harm and their family members. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve adults: six who attend a community mental health service and engage in self-harm and six of their family members. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four superordinate themes emerged within the data: family and societal culture, coping with traumatic relationships, inner conflict and the generational impact. Findings highlight the importance of considering family relationships in the treatment of self-harm in adults. The impact of self-harm on family members is also illuminated, in addition to the need to develop and assess interventions for family members.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
self-harm, adults, family relations, relationships;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 219(2), 2021, pp.419-426.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Background: Safety planning-type interventions (SPTIs) for patients at risk of suicide are often used in clinical practice, but it is unclear whether these interventions are effective. Aims: This article reports on a meta-analysis of studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of SPTIs in reducing suicidal behaviour and ideation. Method: We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus from their inception to 9 December 2019, for studies that compared an SPTI with a control condition and had suicidal behaviour or ideation as outcomes. Two researchers independently extracted the data. To assess suicidal behaviour, we used a random-effects model of relative risk based on a pooled measure of suicidal behaviour. For suicidal ideation, we calculated effect sizes with Hedges’ g. The study was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020129185). Results: Of 1816 unique abstracts screened, 6 studies with 3536 participants were eligible for analysis. The relative risk of suicidal behaviour among patients who received an SPTI compared with control was 0.570 (95% CI 0.408–0.795, P = 0.001; number needed to treat, 16). No significant effect was found for suicidal ideation. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a meta-analysis on SPTIs for suicide prevention. Results support the use of SPTIs to help preventing suicidal behaviour and the inclusion of SPTIs in clinical guidelines for suicide prevention. We found no evidence for an effect of SPTIs on suicidal ideation, and other interventions may be needed for this purpose.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Background: Safety planning-type interventions (SPTIs) for patients at risk of suicide are often used in clinical practice, but it is unclear whether these interventions are effective. Aims: This article reports on a meta-analysis of studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of SPTIs in reducing suicidal behaviour and ideation. Method: We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus from their inception to 9 December 2019, for studies that compared an SPTI with a control condition and had suicidal behaviour or ideation as outcomes. Two researchers independently extracted the data. To assess suicidal behaviour, we used a random-effects model of relative risk based on a pooled measure of suicidal behaviour. For suicidal ideation, we calculated effect sizes with Hedges’ g. The study was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020129185). Results: Of 1816 unique abstracts screened, 6 studies with 3536 participants were eligible for analysis. The relative risk of suicidal behaviour among patients who received an SPTI compared with control was 0.570 (95% CI 0.408–0.795, P = 0.001; number needed to treat, 16). No significant effect was found for suicidal ideation. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a meta-analysis on SPTIs for suicide prevention. Results support the use of SPTIs to help preventing suicidal behaviour and the inclusion of SPTIs in clinical guidelines for suicide prevention. We found no evidence for an effect of SPTIs on suicidal ideation, and other interventions may be needed for this purpose.
(Edited publisher abstract)
British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 49(3), 2021, pp.445-455.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
This study aimed to explore student perceptions of self-harm to gain an in-depth understanding of their views, inform anti-stigma campaigns and promote help-seeking behaviour. Ten individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Students’ perceptions were characterised by a number of themes, including global and local culture, judgment in relation to people and behaviours, and defining self-harm. Findings suggest that current definitions of self-harm should incorporate emotional pain in their explanations to more fully encompass students’ understanding. Further, anti-stigma campaigns should be mindful of culture and focus on addressing both perceptions of those who self-harm, and the behaviour itself. Educational environments might
(Edited publisher abstract)
This study aimed to explore student perceptions of self-harm to gain an in-depth understanding of their views, inform anti-stigma campaigns and promote help-seeking behaviour. Ten individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Students’ perceptions were characterised by a number of themes, including global and local culture, judgment in relation to people and behaviours, and defining self-harm. Findings suggest that current definitions of self-harm should incorporate emotional pain in their explanations to more fully encompass students’ understanding. Further, anti-stigma campaigns should be mindful of culture and focus on addressing both perceptions of those who self-harm, and the behaviour itself. Educational environments might be well placed to implement stigma reduction campaigns and promote help-seeking.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This note provides an overview of male suicide rates and some of the causes, at both the UK and Wales level. Since 2016, the National Statistics definition of suicide for the UK includes all deaths from intentional self-harm for persons aged ten years and over, and deaths where the intent was undetermined for those aged 15 years and over. Deaths from an event of undetermined intent in ten to 14
(Edited publisher abstract)
This note provides an overview of male suicide rates and some of the causes, at both the UK and Wales level. Since 2016, the National Statistics definition of suicide for the UK includes all deaths from intentional self-harm for persons aged ten years and over, and deaths where the intent was undetermined for those aged 15 years and over. Deaths from an event of undetermined intent in ten to 14 year olds are not included, as it is not always clear whether the assumption that the harm was self-inflicted is appropriate. Data on the rates of suicide across the UK suggest that there is a gendered dimension to suicide. Male suicides accounted for around three quarters of the total in England and Wales in 2019. Of the 5,691 suicides registered in England and Wales in 2019, males accounted for three quarters of these (4303). This equates to a male suicide death rate of 16.9 per 100,000, compared with 5.3 deaths per 100,000 for the female suicide death rate in 2019. This represents an increase from the 2018 rate of 16.2 per 100,000 and is significantly higher than rates seen between 2014 and 2017.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Children and Youth Services Review, 116, 2020, p.105054.
Publisher:
Elsevier
Background: Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Social media’s influence on youth suicidal risk or attenuation of risk is a novel and rapidly expanding topic of research that requires attention from a broad range of mental health services professionals. We aimed to provide an updated review of social media-related risk and protective factors to youth deliberate-self harm (DSH) to guide mental health services professionals in offering care and support to youth vulnerable to suicide. Methods: Studies on which primary research was conducted that evaluated young people’s use of social media platforms related to DSH were systematically searched via Scopus and identified through expert recommendation and the Association for Computing Machinery’s digital library of conference materials. The search focused on the timeframe June 2014 to September 2019, to offer an update since the time the most recent systematic reviews on this topic concluded their literatures searches. Quality was reviewed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 38 articles were eligible, and 24 articles rated as high quality were included in a narrative review. Of the included articles, 19 explored DSH risk and 8 explored DSH protection. Most articles reported on cross-sectional quantitative or qualitative studies. Opportunities for both risks and benefits were explored, and potential influences of social media use were considered for subgroups of youth who may be especially vulnerable to suicide. Conclusions: In the relatively short period of review, the association between social media use and youth DSH was tested in population-based studies, offering preliminary evidence for suicide prevention and treatment efforts. Further research is needed to understand the contribution of social media use to youth DSH, particularly among youth most vulnerable to suicidal risk.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Background: Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Social media’s influence on youth suicidal risk or attenuation of risk is a novel and rapidly expanding topic of research that requires attention from a broad range of mental health services professionals. We aimed to provide an updated review of social media-related risk and protective factors to youth deliberate-self harm (DSH) to guide mental health services professionals in offering care and support to youth vulnerable to suicide. Methods: Studies on which primary research was conducted that evaluated young people’s use of social media platforms related to DSH were systematically searched via Scopus and identified through expert recommendation and the Association for Computing Machinery’s digital library of conference materials. The search focused on the timeframe June 2014 to September 2019, to offer an update since the time the most recent systematic reviews on this topic concluded their literatures searches. Quality was reviewed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 38 articles were eligible, and 24 articles rated as high quality were included in a narrative review. Of the included articles, 19 explored DSH risk and 8 explored DSH protection. Most articles reported on cross-sectional quantitative or qualitative studies. Opportunities for both risks and benefits were explored, and potential influences of social media use were considered for subgroups of youth who may be especially vulnerable to suicide. Conclusions: In the relatively short period of review, the association between social media use and youth DSH was tested in population-based studies, offering preliminary evidence for suicide prevention and treatment efforts. Further research is needed to understand the contribution of social media use to youth DSH, particularly among youth most vulnerable to suicidal risk.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This book emphasises the importance of acknowledging attitudes about self-harm and suicide and encourages the reader to reflect on how these attitudes can impact on their work with young people. As well as exploring key facts and research to help raise awareness, it also provides guidance on developing local youth suicide prevention guidelines and support within local areas and organisations. Key topics covered include: an introduction to self-harm and young people; working with young people who self-harm; the epidemiology of suicide; key areas to consider when thinking about suicide prevention; and action learning – direct work and community responses. The guide is underpinned by a framework of reflective practice and a basic application of theories from Transactional Analysis. Readers
(Edited publisher abstract)
This book emphasises the importance of acknowledging attitudes about self-harm and suicide and encourages the reader to reflect on how these attitudes can impact on their work with young people. As well as exploring key facts and research to help raise awareness, it also provides guidance on developing local youth suicide prevention guidelines and support within local areas and organisations. Key topics covered include: an introduction to self-harm and young people; working with young people who self-harm; the epidemiology of suicide; key areas to consider when thinking about suicide prevention; and action learning – direct work and community responses. The guide is underpinned by a framework of reflective practice and a basic application of theories from Transactional Analysis. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their responses to the learning and to apply this awareness to their work with children and young people.
(Edited publisher abstract)
NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRY INTO SUICIDE AND HOMICIDE BY PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
Publisher:
University of Manchester
Publication year:
2016
Pagination:
20
Place of publication:
Manchester
... ill health, self-harm and suicidal ideas. The study concludes that agencies that work with young people can contribute to suicide prevention by recognising the pattern of cumulative risk and ‘final straw’ stresses that leads to suicide. Improved services for self-harm and access to CAMHS are crucial to addressing suicide and there is a vital role for schools, primary care, social services, and youth
(Edited publisher abstract)
An examination of suicides in England by people aged under 20 years who died between January 2014 and April 2015. This is the first phase of a UK-wide investigation into suicides by people aged under 25. The data was collected from a range of investigations by official bodies in England and no new investigations were conducted. The study identified relevant antecedents prior to suicide from these investigations. There were 145 suicides and probable suicides by children and young people in England in the study period. The suicide rate in this age group is low overall but is highest in the late teens. The majority of deaths were in males (70 per cent). Many young people who die by suicide have not expressed recent suicidal ideas and an absence of suicidal ideas cannot be assumed to show lack of risk. The ten common themes and associated factors in suicide by children and young people include: family factors such as mental illness; abuse and neglect; bereavement and experience of suicide; bullying; suicide-related internet use; academic pressures, especially related to exams; social isolation or withdrawal; physical health conditions that may have social impact; alcohol and illicit drugs; and mental ill health, self-harm and suicidal ideas. The study concludes that agencies that work with young people can contribute to suicide prevention by recognising the pattern of cumulative risk and ‘final straw’ stresses that leads to suicide. Improved services for self-harm and access to CAMHS are crucial to addressing suicide and there is a vital role for schools, primary care, social services, and youth justice.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This booklet provides accessible information and advice on self-harm.Self-harm describes any behaviour where someone causes harm to themselves, usually as a way to help cope with difficult or distressing thoughts and feelings. It most frequently takes the form of cutting, burning or nonlethal overdoses. However, it can also be any behaviour that causes injury – no matter how minor, or high-risk
(Edited publisher abstract)
This booklet provides accessible information and advice on self-harm. Self-harm describes any behaviour where someone causes harm to themselves, usually as a way to help cope with difficult or distressing thoughts and feelings. It most frequently takes the form of cutting, burning or nonlethal overdoses. However, it can also be any behaviour that causes injury – no matter how minor, or high-risk behaviours. This resource explains how to get help, the recovery process, how to keep safe, and what to do, and look out for, if worried that someone may be self-harming.
(Edited publisher abstract)
YOUNGMINDS, ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS, CHARLIE WALLER MEMORIAL TRUST
Publisher:
YoungMinds
Publication year:
2016
Pagination:
10
Place of publication:
London
Provides simple guidance to help professionals support young people who are self-harming. Self-harm describes any way in which a young person might harm themselves or put themselves at risk in order to cope with difficult thoughts, feelings or experiences. It affects up to 1 in 5 young people and spans the divides of gender, class, age and ethnicity. The document examines: how to recognise the self-harm warning signs; how to hold the first conversation; what to do when a young person is not ready to talk; what to do when there are concerns about a young person's immediate safety; how to provide practical support; and how to provide support within the context of a whole school approach.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Provides simple guidance to help professionals support young people who are self-harming. Self-harm describes any way in which a young person might harm themselves or put themselves at risk in order to cope with difficult thoughts, feelings or experiences. It affects up to 1 in 5 young people and spans the divides of gender, class, age and ethnicity. The document examines: how to recognise the self-harm warning signs; how to hold the first conversation; what to do when a young person is not ready to talk; what to do when there are concerns about a young person's immediate safety; how to provide practical support; and how to provide support within the context of a whole school approach.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
mental health problems, self-harm, young people, good practice;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 207(4), 2015, pp.306-312.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Background: Although self-harm and sleep problems are major public health problems in adolescence, detailed epidemiological assessment is essential to understand the nature of this relationship.
Aims: To conduct a detailed assessment of the relationship between sleep and self-harm in adolescence.
Method: A large population-based study in Norway surveyed 10 220 adolescents aged 16–19 years on mental health, including a comprehensive assessment of sleep and self-harm.
Results: Adolescents with sleep problems were significantly more likely to report self-harm than those without sleep problems. Insomnia, short sleep duration, long sleep onset latency, wake after sleep on set as well as large differences between weekdays versus weekends, yielded higher odds of self-harm consistent with a dose–response relationship. Depressive symptoms accounted for some, but not all, of this association.
Conclusions: The findings highlight a strong relationship between sleep problems and self-harm. Interventions to reduce adolescent self-harm ought to incorporate sleep problems as a treatment target.
(Publisher abstract)
Background: Although self-harm and sleep problems are major public health problems in adolescence, detailed epidemiological assessment is essential to understand the nature of this relationship.
Aims: To conduct a detailed assessment of the relationship between sleep and self-harm in adolescence.
Method: A large population-based study in Norway surveyed 10 220 adolescents aged 16–19 years on mental health, including a comprehensive assessment of sleep and self-harm.
Results: Adolescents with sleep problems were significantly more likely to report self-harm than those without sleep problems. Insomnia, short sleep duration, long sleep onset latency, wake after sleep on set as well as large differences between weekdays versus weekends, yielded higher odds of self-harm consistent with a dose–response relationship. Depressive symptoms accounted for some, but not all, of this association.
Conclusions: The findings highlight a strong relationship between sleep problems and self-harm. Interventions to reduce adolescent self-harm ought to incorporate sleep problems as a treatment target.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
sleep problems, self-harm, young people, adolescence;