Examining predictors of self harm ideation in prisoners
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Risk factors for suicide ideation in transferred prisoners: investigating perceived entrapment and goal management in the context of the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model
IRAS ID
199539
Contact name
Vyv Huddy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London, Joint Research Office (part of the Research Support Centre)
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
UCL Data Protection Registration, reference No, Z6364106/2016/04/06
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Deliberate self-harm behaviour (DSH) in prison settings is a significant issue, not least because rates are significantly high and are notably higher than those in the general population (e.g. Hawton, Linsell, Adeniji, Sariaslan, & Fazel, 2014).
The Integrated Motivational–Volitional Model of Suicidal Behaviour (IMV) provides a psychological explanation for how dynamic/modifiable factors (e.g. social support – compared to static/unchangeable factors such as young age) predict suicidal thoughts and the transition of these thoughts to suicidal behaviour. Empirical support for this model is currently limited and to the researchers knowledge it has not yet been tested in a prison setting. Such research could help predict the existence of DSH thoughts and behaviour in prisoners and could help distinguish between prisoners who think about DSH and those who actually go on to act on these thoughts, which could be invaluable in guiding prevention and treatment strategies for deliberate self-harm and suicide in prisons.
This research therefore aims to test the IMVs’ hypotheses about the factors associated with thoughts of DSH, in a prison, via questionnaires. Specifically, participants will answer a questionnaire battery directly related to the IVM, (i.e. participants will answer questions about feelings of defeat and entrapment), and the researcher will examine whether these factors (e.g. feeling defeated) are associated with thoughts of DSH. This is therefore a cross-sectional independent measures study. We expect all questionnaires to be completed by the researcher, collaboratively with participants, in less than one hour. Participants will be prisoners, a minimum age of 18, and have a sufficient understanding of written or spoken English to participate. Data collection will take place at HMP Wandsworth. We expect the research to take place over 13 months and it will be sponsored/funded by University College London.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0360
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion