Qualitative Exploration of Mens Self Harm A Systematic Review of Help Seeking and an Empirical Study of Care and Treatment Experiences in Prison

Abstract

This thesis consists of three papers. Paper one is a qualitative systematic review exploring barriers and facilitators to mens help seeking for suicide and self harm. Electronic databases and the grey literature were searched, and results were screened for eligibility. The final sample contained 13 studies. Data were extracted and the studies quality appraised. Interpretative Thematic Synthesis identified six core themes. Findings suggested mens help seeking for suicide and self harm is complex, with barriers including fear, stigma and previous negative experiences of services. Findings also highlighted facilitators giving rise to practical clinical implications such as the need for compassionate, proactive enquiry into mens risk and needs, whilst being mindful of gender norms masculinity expectations operating. Paper two is an empirical study. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis IPA methodology was used to explore the care and treatment experiences of men in secure mental health services who had previously self harmed in prison. Semi structured interviews were conducted with a sample of six men. In depth IPA analysis identified five core group themes across cases. Findings indicated the importance of interpersonal factors such as the need to be listened to and understood as well as environmental factors and trauma informed care principles. Further implications for research and clinical practice are discussed, particularly the need for a compassionate approach to care and specialist training for prison staff. Paper three is a critical appraisal paper. It is an evaluation of the research process as a whole, including information about decision making and limitations. Further implications for research and clinical practice are discussed. Personal reflections are also provided both about the research project and the wider context.

Date of Award	19 Sept 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Daniel Pratt (Supervisor) & Louise Robinson (Supervisor)