Autonomy and Suicide Risk in Older Adults (ASRO-A)_V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the Self-Determination Theory for suicide risk in Older Adults
IRAS ID
347829
Contact name
Gemma Butler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 9 days
Research summary
The number of older adults who die by suicide every year is increasing. Older adults are also more likely to die by suicide on their first attempt than younger adults. Research is lacking as to the reasons for this. According to the Self-Determination Theory, an individual requires the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, to achieve a good state of well-being. Evidence has suggested that a lack of these basic psychological needs leads to poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts in adults. This study investigates whether the self-determination theory, particularly the psychological need for autonomy, is a significant risk factor for suicide in older adults. This is a questionnaire design study and will recruit participants from Berkshire NHS inpatient wards and Berkshire older adult NHS services.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0922
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion