Mixed-Methods Study of Self-Injury and Complex PTSD, version1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) Among Individuals with Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD): Mixed-Methods Investigation
IRAS ID
290643
Contact name
Peter Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 4 days
Research summary
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is when somebody engage in self-harm acts such as cutting or hitting without the intent to end his/her life. Many people engage in NSSI to help them cope with difficult and distressing experiences; however, it remains of concern because of its link to suicidal behaviours. NSSI is related to trauma and later development of Complex Posttraumtic Stress Disorder (Complex PTSD/CPTSD).
The study aims to understand how experiences of trauma and subsequent development of CPTSD has contributed to difficulties with NSSI. The study will be conducted in two phases. Phase one uses interviews aimed to explore individual's lived experience whereas phase two uses card-sort task of self-harm (CaTS) to explore the sequence of these experiences and aims to understand how experiences of trauma and subsequent development of CPTSD has contributed to difficulties with NSSI.
Participants will be adults with recent NSSI and CPTSD. They will be recruited from community mental health services or 3rd sector support services. In Phase One, eligible participants will be invited to complete two separated interviews with the researcher. The second interview will be scheduled one week later from the first one. In Phase Two, eligible participants will be invited to a meeting with the researcher where they will be asked to complete the card-sort task related to their first and most recent episode of NSSI. Participant will be invited to complete a brief questionnaire about their experience of self-injury at the start of both study phases. All participants, in both phases, will receive a shopping voucher as a compensation for their time. Data collected from this study can be used to inform future psychosocial interventions aimed to this population.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0047
Date of REC Opinion
26 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion