Understanding the functions of self-harm: a Q-methodological study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the functions of self-harm: a Q-methodological study
IRAS ID
234182
Contact name
Allan House
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Self-harm is defined as any form of intentional non-fatal self-injury or self-poisoning such as cutting skin or taking an overdose, regardless of motive. In fact the literature on self-harm highlights many motives (also known as functions or reasons) why people may self-harm. This study aims to understand how individuals experience their own reasons for self-harm. Participants will be recruited via the NHS, online forums or third sector organisations.
The study will use a research method call Q methodology which is a way of identifying people with similar characteristics – in this case, how they describe their reasons for self-harm. Q methodology firstly aims to create a diverse set of statements that express the different points of view of a topic. In this case about why people self-harm; this set of statements is then presented on cards/ statements. Participants, who have a history of self-harm, will read the statements and rank them according to how strongly they agree or disagree with them. This process is called a Q-sort and aims to reveal participants' personal viewpoint on reasons for self-harming. Participants will be able to complete the Q sort in person with the researcher or by post.
Based on previous experience in self-harm it is anticipated that around 30% of those we invite in person will complete the study. This means overall we may need to invite around 120 individuals to achieve 40 completed Q sorts.
Factor analysis will be used to reveal broad groupings of people who sort the statements in similar ways and thus express a certain viewpoint about the reasons for self-harm. These groupings can help with understanding the underlying psychological functions of self harm and can point towards particular assessment and treatment options as they reveal psychologically meaningful reasons for self-harm.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0352
Date of REC Opinion
18 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion