Experiences of Disclosing Self-Harm to Non-Professionals (Version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of Disclosing Self-Harm to Non-Professionals
IRAS ID
256924
Contact name
Emily Higgins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 29 days
Research summary
Self-harm is a public health concern with considerable adverse consequences. It is a risk factor for suicide, with over 50% of individuals who have died by suicide having a history of self-harm. It is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes. Furthermore, it results in substantial health and social care costs. \n\nResearch findings indicate that self-harm is often a private behaviour and many adults who self-harm do not seek professional help. It may be likely that individuals who self-harm seek support from non-professionals, people in their social networks, such as family, friends or partners. \n\nResearch seems to support this idea, for example research shows that young people commonly disclose to peers. However, little is known about how and to whom adults who self-harm make disclosures. Although disclosing self-harm can enable help-seeking and improve coping, it also has the potential to discourage individuals from disclosing in the future. Therefore improving understanding of disclosure experiences and outcomes is important. \n\nThis study will use interviews to explore the expectations and experiences of adults who self-harm when they disclose to non-professionals. The research questions are: \n\n1) What influences the decision to make a disclosure about self-harm to a non-professional?\n\n2) What are the expectations of those who consider disclosing self-harm to a non-professional?\n \n3) What are the experiences of those who disclose self-harm to a non-professional?\n\n4) For those who disclose self-harm to a non-professional, what are the implications of their experience for future help-seeking and well-being?\n\n5) What are the barriers to disclosing self-harm to a non-professional?\n\nTen to fifteen people will be interviewed to capture a range of experiences. The information gathered will then be analysed to identify common themes. This research will provide new insights into the process of disclosing self-harm to others. Investigating this under-researched area will lead to informed efforts to support positive self-harm disclosures.\n\n
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/YH/0137
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion