Exploration of the Treatment Acceptability of Psychological Therapies for Suicide Prevention

Abstract

This thesis has been prepared in paper based format. It focuses on the treatment acceptability of psychological interventions for suicidal ideation and behaviours; what influences it and how it impacts on engagement with the intervention. Papers 1 and 2 have been prepared for submission to the British Journal of Psychiatry (Appendix A) and the Journal of Psychology, Crime and Law (Appendix B) respectively. Paper 1 provides a comprehensive overview of treatment acceptability research among psychological interventions for suicidal experiences. Fourteen studies were identified that satisfied inclusion criteria for the review. The findings, strengths, and limitations of the studies and the methods for assessing treatment acceptability as a whole are considered throughout the review and recommendations for future research are made. Theoretical and clinical implications are also discussed. Paper 2 explores male prisoners’ experiences of engaging in a short-term intensive cognitive behavioural intervention for suicide prevention whilst in prison. The factors that positively and negatively influenced the treatment acceptability of the intervention are discussed. These findings are then used to make recommendations for future intervention delivery in prisons, and for future research in this area. The strengths and limitations are also discussed. Paper 3 is a critical reflection of the submitted papers and research process as a whole. The strengths and limitations of the presented research, methodological considerations and implications for clinical practice and theory are discussed and directions for future research are highlighted.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester