Self-Harm in Eating Disorders

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Self-Harm in Eating Disorders: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study (SHINE Study)

• IRAS ID

  296032

• Contact name

  Anna Claire Lavis

• Contact email

  a.c.lavis@bham.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Birmingham

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 5 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Aim:
  This study will investigate the psychological, emotional, and social factors that underlie self-harm (SH) in young people aged 16-25 with an eating disorder (ED).

  Background:
  Described during our stakeholder consultations with young people with lived experience as “something that’s not talked about enough”, approximately 25%-55% of young people with an eating disorder (ED) self-harm. This is much higher than the estimate of 13% of young people in the general population. Currently, however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how best to treat self-harm in the context of eating disorders and there are no targeted NHS services or interventions.

  Design and Methods:
  In three specialist outpatient services for young people with eating disorders, the study will sequentially use quantitative and then qualitative methods:

  Phase One: 70-100 young people aged 16-25 with an ED and SH thoughts or behaviours will participate in ecological momentary assessment: A downloadable app will repeatedly capture participants’ current feelings, thoughts, motives, behaviours and experiences of self-harm in real time over 14 days.

  Phase Two: 20-30 young people who participated in Phase One will be re-approached and invited to take part in a qualitative interview. These will sensitively explore with participants: experiences of SH in ED; why and when the ED and SH developed; what functions the ED and SH are serving, and how these interrelate; participants’ support needs.

  Public and Patient Involvement:
  The study has been designed with members of an advisory group of young people with MH lived experiences, who have described it as “really needed” and “ethical.” They have advised us on appropriateness of methods, ethical considerations, the feasibility of recruiting young people, and they have set research priorities. Members’ involvement will be continued and invaluable throughout the study.

• REC name

  West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  21/WM/0178

• Date of REC Opinion

  29 Oct 2021

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion