Understanding Repetitive Head Impact Behaviours (Headbanging)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Repetitive Head Impact Behaviours (Headbanging) within inpatient mental health units in order to develop draft guidelines to better support patients at times of distress
IRAS ID
365055
Contact name
Lisa Campbell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St Andrew's Healthcare
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Headbanging is one of the most observed forms of self-harm, particularly among individuals with mental health disorders. It has been reported among forensic mental health patients and studies have highlighted the association between violent head-banging and mental illness. However, despite the grave consequences of this form of behaviour, research in this area is extremely limited. A recent study at St Andrew’s analysed the clinical records of patients over a five-year period demonstrated that 421 patients engaged in head-banging behaviour while in secure care with the majority engaging on fewer than 50 occasions. Most were classified as low harm and did not require hospitalisation. They were predominantly female and of younger age. However, this epidemiological data did not provide any insight into the rationale behind why the patients engaged in this form of self-harm behaviour. Unlike other forms of self-harm, headbanging can have lasting damage leading ultimately to long-term brain damage. In order to prevent this, it is important to understand the rationale behind the behaviour. While it is a form of self-harm, it has also been proposed that the rhythmic nature may also provide a self-stimulator perspective, and this should also be taken into consideration. The aim of this study is to gain a greater understanding of the motivation behind, and the consequences of, head-banging among patients in a secure care environment and to develop draft guidelines to attenuate this behaviour. This will involve interview patients who currently engage in headbanging behaviour to understand their motivation or those who have a history of headbanging behaviours (according to their clinical notes) but who may not currently engage in the practice. We will utilise the information from the study to co-produce draft guidelines to identify those most at risk of headbanging and develop strategies to minimise this form of behaviour.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
26/WS/0025
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion