CHERISH-Understanding Suicide Clusters tHrough ExploRIng Self Harm beh
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding suicide Clusters tHrough ExploRIng Self Harm behaviours (CHERISH)
IRAS ID
191078
Contact name
Ann John
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
ID 16552., UKCRN
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Our understanding of the social and psychological determinants of suicide clusters is limited, with none of the cross-discipline theories proposed having been tested via in-depth research on an actual cluster. This research will explore the factors and mechanisms that trigger a suicide cluster, cause it to continue and then eventually subside.
The study uses mixed methods. People from the Bridgend area who presented to the local emergency department (ED) with 'near fatal' self-harm at the time of the apparent suicide cluster in 2007/8 will be interviewed to explore:
(a) the social and psychological causes of self-harm during an apparent cluster, and
(b) how individuals understand their own behaviour.Questions will be asked in relation to social circumstances, family history, childhood development, drug and alcohol use, life events, size and character of primary support group, the media, links to other cases, identification with cluster
cases and interviewees' own thoughts about cluster initiation and propagation. Interviews will be analysed thematically. Routinely available anonymised data on all those who presented during the cluster to the local ED with any mention of non-fatal
self-harm will also be investigated.The study will help inform the development of appropriate policy to respond to suicide clusters at an early stage.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
15/WA/0366
Date of REC Opinion
26 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion