An Exploration of Behavioural Consistency in Repeat Missing Adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multiple Missing: An Exploration of Behavioural Consistency in Repeat Missing Adults
IRAS ID
204038
Contact name
Claire Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Abertay University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
UK police record around 350,000 missing person reports on an annual basis costing up to £2500 per case. Approximately 38% of these recorded incidents involve individuals who have previously gone missing, many of whom are considered vulnerable and/or at risk. Despite the associated financial and human costs, research into and theory development regarding this population who engage in repeat missing behaviour is extremely underdeveloped. Whilst some attention has been applied to missing behaviour in children, there is very little literature that is concerned with missing adults. This project comprises 3 stages of data collection. Stage 1 involves analysis of existing police data in relation to adult repeat missing persons reported to select Divisions of Police Scotland. Cases will be analysed to establish the nature and incidence of repeat missing adults and potential risk factors such as: age, sex, mental health, number of missing incidents, duration, and location found. In Stage 2 in-depth interviews and psychological testing will be conducted with located repeat missing adults to provide critical insights into the nature of individuals' missing episodes including psychological, functional, behavioural and geographical aspects to identify potential consistencies. Participants will be recruited through the assistance of Police Scotland and the NHS and our central points of contact in each organisation will identify repeat missing persons from their systems and make initial contact with them on behalf of the project. Finally, stage 3 will involve interviews with care providers within the top 10 locations for repeat missing adults across Scotland (e.g., hospitals) and will be focused on their views, responsibilities, experiences and attitudes towards repeat missing adults. This study aims to advance our understanding of why such individuals go missing repeatedly, their vulnerabilities and experiences whilst missing, and to provide critical insights for multi-agency prevention and future safeguarding strategies.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
16/WS/0140
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion