An interview study of the roles of masculinity in pathways to DSI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An interview study of the roles of masculinity in pathways to deliberate self-injurious behaviour of men and women.
IRAS ID
234797
Contact name
Fhionna Moore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 28 days
Research summary
Masculinity, defined as psychological traits associated with male gender role (e.g. dominance, aggressiveness, resilience), is related to poorer mental well-being including suicidal thoughts and action, and NSSI, in men and women. We do not know, however, how the various dimensions of masculinity lead to DSI (e.g. via which psychological processes, stressors, or maladaptive coping strategies). Men (who are, by definition, higher in masculinity) die by suicide 3 times more than women, whilst women are more likely to take less lethal suicidal action and survive. We do not know how differences in masculinity contribute to these patterns, nor do we know how masculinity predicts DSI.
This study forms part of the PI’s PhD research (funded by University of Dundee) which aims to identify the roles of masculinity in DSI. The aim of the proposed work is to assess this role via pathways from a set of predictor variables identified in a systematic literature review. The model will be tested in participants who have been admitted to Ninewells Hospital’s EDOU following DSI, via a structured questionnaire-based interview including measures of masculinity, negative life events, suicidality, mental health, help-seeking, impulsivity, social support and social gendering of suicidal behaviours. The interview lasts for 30 minutes and will be administered only to those patients who the CPLT consider capable of providing informed consent, who are over the age of 18, who have indicated to the CPLT their willingness to be approached by the PI, and who have provided informed consent. Data will be analysed using structural equation modelling and regression analysis. Results will form part of the PI’s thesis, be submitted for publication in peer reviewed journals and contribute to the literature on DSI. Ultimately, the research will contribute to the body of work which informs the development of suicide prevention and intervention techniques.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
17/ES/0143
Date of REC Opinion
14 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion