Marzetti, H., McDaid, L. and O'Connor, R. (2023) A qualitative study of young people's lived experiences of suicide and self‐harm: intentionality, rationality and authenticity. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 28(4), pp. 504-511. (doi: 10.1111/camh.12641) (PMID:36811313)
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Abstract
Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death amongst young people and a major public health concern. Although increasing research has identified contributory and protective factors affecting youth suicide, less is known about how young people make sense of suicidal distress themselves. Methods: Using semi-structured interview methods and reflexive thematic analysis, this study explores how 24 young people aged 16–24 in Scotland, UK made sense of their lived experiences of suicidal thoughts and feelings, self-harm, and suicide attempts. Results: Intentionality, rationality, and authenticity formed our central themes. Suicidal thoughts were categorised by participants dependent on their intention to act on them; a distinction often used to downplay the significance of early suicidal thoughts. Escalating suicidal feelings were then described as almost rational responses to adversities; whereas suicide attempts appeared to be described as more impulsive. These narratives seemed to be somewhat shaped by dismissive attitudes participants experienced in response to their suicidal distress, both from professionals and within their close networks. This impacted how participants articulated distress and asked for support. Conclusion: Suicidal thoughts that participants articulated as lacking the intention to act could represent key opportunities for early clinical intervention to prevent suicide. In contrast, stigma, difficulties communicating suicidal distress and dismissive attitudes could serve as barriers to seeking help, and, therefore, additional efforts should be made to ensure young people feel comfortable seeking help.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | H.M. and L.M. were supported by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates at the MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, the University of Glasgow (MC_UU_12017/11, SPHSU11; MC_UU_00022/3, SPHSU18; MC_UU_00022/3, SPHSU18). |
| Keywords: | Suicide, self‐harm, self‐injury, suicidal behaviour, qualitative methods. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Marzetti, Hazel and McDaid, Professor Lisa and O'Connor, Professor Rory |
| Authors: | Marzetti, H., McDaid, L., and O'Connor, R. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Child and Adolescent Mental Health |
| Publisher: | Wiley |
| ISSN: | 1475-357X |
| ISSN (Online): | 1475-3588 |
| Published Online: | 21 February 2023 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2023 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Child and Adolescent Mental Health 28(4): 504–511 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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