Young people’s experiences of attempted suicide and alcohol use
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration of young people’s experiences of attempted suicide and alcohol use.
IRAS ID
257738
Contact name
Rebecca Guest
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
This research project is a study, investigating the experiences of young people within mental health services who have attempted suicide.
The aim is to gain an understanding into the experiences of young people (aged 16-25), and the impact of low mood, alcohol use and attempted suicide. There are many studies which describe the rate of attempted suicide across the age range and comment on the factors which may have contributed towards these attempts. However, there is limited research focusing on the subjective experiences of young people, and their perceptions of the role of their alcohol use as a potentially contributing influence leading up to these events of attempted suicide.
Participants, identified through two local NHS trusts, will be interviewed to understand their perspectives on their own incidents of attempting suicide and how they make sense of this in relation to their experiences of using alcohol.
Data transcribed following the interviews will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this method aims to provide an insight into the individual’s sense making of their experience and aims to identify themes across interviews. Furthermore, it will enable a discussion about how they might describe these experiences as well as how alcohol use and their mental health may have changed over time.
This project will provide a thorough and detailed understanding of young people’s experiences and views of the role that alcohol may have played in their attempt to end their life, from their own perspective. This information has the potential to inform knowledge and practice in relation to youth suicide and risk management within services, especially regarding alcohol use.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0082
Date of REC Opinion
17 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion