WP1: Understanding the functions of self-harm
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Function Replacement in repeated Self-Harm: Standardising therapeutic Assessment and the Related therapy
IRAS ID
253754
Contact name
Allan House
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Multiple repetition of self-harm is common, is associated with poor quality of life and an increased risk of suicide. There is currently no treatment, deliverable in community mental health services, that works well for individuals with a history of multiple repetition.
This study is the first of a suite of studies that aims to develop and evaluate a new therapeutic approach with individuals who repeatedly self-harm. Current treatment tends to focus on the act of self-harm as a symptom of underlying distress. However, personal explanations for repetition also identify positive motivations.In this first work package, the aim is to understand how individuals experience the reasons (positive and negative) for repeated self-harm, by identifying a range of different viewpoints from a sample of service users.
Participants will be recruited via emergency departments, NHS mental health providers, third sector organisations, and on a closed social media group (Facebook), and will be asked to participate in a Q methodology study. In a subsequent study (for which we are not requesting approval) the anonymised findings from the Q study will be used to produce a framework of self-reported explanations for multiple self-harm that can be used to guide assessment during therapy.
This will be used in the later studies of the programme of research to develop a training programme for therapists to support them to work with service users. After identifying and training suitable therapists we will evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in a Randomised Controlled Trial and Process Evaluation. Ethical approval for this later work will be sought in subsequent applications.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0469
Date of REC Opinion
15 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion