Understanding self-harm: a multi-perspective account
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding self-harm: a multi-perspective account. The unvoiced experiences of people who self-harm and those who support them
IRAS ID
353278
Contact name
Maria-Loredana Filip
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Self-harm is often stigmatised. This study aims to explore how self-harm is understood by clinicians and service users. Some qualitative studies have highlighted a mismatch between these two perspectives, with clinicians focusing more on risk management and harm reduction, which might be influenced by service guidance and policies whereas service users highlight the emotional regulation function of self-harm as well as it being a way of avoiding suicide. This study will explore these different perspectives by interviewing pairs of clinicians and service users who have worked together. We hope that the study will provide insights into the sense making experiences of both cohorts with respect to how they understand self-harm, with the aim of understanding the experiences of people who self-harm, highlighting good aspects of clinical practice and shaping how services are provided.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0068
Date of REC Opinion
6 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion