Examining Social Identification, Discrimination, and Connectedness in Relation to Self-Harm in Sexual and Racial Minorities

Abstract

This thesis contains three chapters examining the relationship between connectedness, social identification and discrimination in sexual and racial minorities. The thesis is composed of: Paper one is a systematic review, exploring the relationship between connectedness and self-harm (encompassing suicidal and self-injurious behaviours) in People of Colour who are ethnically minoritised. Thirty-one studies were included. Generally, significant bivariate correlations were found between connectedness and self-harm, but in multiple instances, when controlling for confounds, the relationship became insignificant. The paper concludes that the relationship between connectedness and self-harm is multidimensional and affected by personal and cultural factors. Furthermore, well-known risk factors for self-harm, such as depression and perceived burdensomeness, are relevant to racial minorities. Paper two is an empirical study examining the relationship between social identification, perceived discrimination and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) in bisexuals. A multiracial sample of 535 bisexuals residing in the United Kingdom was included. A micro-longitudinal design involved participants completing online questionnaires once a week for four weeks. Social identification with ethnic and sexual identity was not significantly associated with past-month NSSI acts at baseline or NSSI urges over time. Perceived discrimination did not moderate the relationship between social identification and NSSI urges. Depression, previous NSSI urges, and perceived discrimination were highlighted as risk factors for NSSI in bisexual individuals. Paper three is a critical appraisal and reflection on the research process. It discusses ethical and methodological issues. Race is reflexively explored, and areas for future research are recommended.

Date of Award	15 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Katie Dhingra (Main Supervisor), Peter Taylor (Co Supervisor) & Brendan Dunlop (Co Supervisor)