A Narrative Study of Adolescent Males who Self-Harm
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Narrative Study of Adolescent Males who Self-Harm
IRAS ID
191283
Contact name
Stacey Turrell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham City Council - Educational Psychology Service
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 14 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to collect the life stories of adolescent males who self-harm in order to understand how they make sense of the behaviour in relation to their wider life experiences. The research question is ‘What life stories are told by adolescent males who self-harm’.
Self-harm is as a growing phenomenon, emerging predominantly in adolescence. Despite this, very little research has been undertaken which explores the wider context within which self-harm may occur for some young people. More specifically, this research focuses on male self-harm. Males do not necessarily fit the stereotype of the ‘typical self-harmer’, and as a result are under-represented in research. It is hoped that this research will be useful to Educational Psychologists and other professionals trying to understand and support adolescent males who self-harm.
Adolescent males who are self-harming, have done so in the recent past and are known to Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB) will be invited to take part in two semi-structured interviews. Interviews will be conducted at FTB sites. The first interview will provide an opportunity for participants to tell their life story. Permission will be sought from each participant to audio-record the interview.Approximately three weeks later, participants will be invited to a Reflective Interview, following analysis of their stories. The researcher will share the participant’s analysed story, seeking further clarification where necessary, to ensure that it is a trustworthy and meaningful representation of their lived experience. The participant will also be invited to reflect on the experience of telling their story and any effect this may have had on how they feel about their past and future.
It is anticipated that both interviews will last no longer than 60 minutes each.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0175
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion