Mixed-Methods Investigation of Shame in those who Self-Injure
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mixed-Methods Investigation of Shame in those who Self-Injure (MISSI)
IRAS ID
237135
Contact name
Peter Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 25 days
Research summary
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a prevalent health problem, often linked to distress and difficult emotions. Shame can be seen in many mental health issues but is not often explicitly targeted or talked about during therapy. Research suggests that people who experience NSSI often feel particularly high levels of shame. This study aims to explore what people who have used NSSI feel are the triggers of their shame and how they experience and cope with this emotion. This study may help our understanding of shame in people who have used NSSI which could help to improve future therapies for shame and NSSI.
People with a recent history of NSSI aged 16-25 will be invited to take part in this study via their mental health clinician or study posters. Those at high risk of suicide will not be invited to take part.
People who take part will be asked to fill in questionnaires on shame, mood and NSSI. They will fill in electronic diaries (focusing on shame) on their phones three times per day for two weeks. They will then be invited to a 1-hour, face-to-face interview about their experiences. This may be different for each person depending on what they said in their diaries.
The researcher will look at information from the questionnaires and diaries to answer questions such as how often each person felt shame. The researcher will go through the interviews and see if there are any common themes that can help us to understand more about shame in people who struggle with NSSI.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0340
Date of REC Opinion
13 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion