Autistic adolescents' experiences of self-harm.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Autistic adolescents’ experiences of self-harm: A qualitative investigation using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
IRAS ID
364007
Contact name
Kate Maher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Staffordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Autistic people are at an increased risk of self-harm. Despite the frequent onset of self-harm in adolescence, there is a lack of research studying autistic adolescents and no known research has used qualitative methods (interviews) to gather an in-depth understanding of autistic adolescents' experiences of self-harm. Clinicians also report less confidence in supporting autistic people who self-harm. The objective of the research is to improve clinical understanding into autistic adolescents' experiences of self-harm with the hope to benefit the future care for autistic young people who self-harm.
The study aims to answer the research questions: how do autistic adolescents make sense of their self-harm and what is the meaning/function of self-harm for autistic adolescents? Autistic adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years old with current or historic (in the past year) self-harm, who are currently receiving support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT) will be recruited. CAMHS clinicians will identify participants who meet the eligibility criteria and provide an information sheet with a QR link to an MS Forms 'opt-in' form and once completed, the researcher will invite participants to an interview. A 1:1, face to face interview will take place for about 60 minutes at the participants' preferred NSCHT CAMHS site. The participant will answer demographic questions (age, ethnicity) before their interview with the researcher, who will ask them questions about their self-harm. A predetermined interview schedule will be used as well as follow-up questions, dependent on the participants' response. The interview will be voice recorded, transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to interpret the meanings of self-harm for autistic adolescents. The report is hoped to be shared with those supporting young people to enhance future care. This research will be carried out from April 2026 to September 2027.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
26/WA/0118
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion