The Role of Hope in and ‘Recovery’ from Suicide Ideation and Behaviour

Abstract

An understanding of recovery from suicide ideation and behaviour and factors that protect against these experiences may strengthen our ability to identify and support those at risk of suicide, above and beyond that which is possible by focusing solely on risk factors. However, recovery has received little attention within the literature, and despite being viewed as key in the process of recovery within mental health, there has been no attempt to synthesise the literature examining the role of hope (a potential protective factor) in suicide ideation and behaviour. This thesis aimed to i) examine the nature and the magnitude of the relationship between hope and suicide ideation and behaviour and ii) develop a consensus on how recovery from suicide ideation and behaviour is defined by those with lived experience. Paper One provides a synthesis of 46 publications that have examined the association between hope and suicide ideation and behaviour. Random effects meta-analyses showed that hope and its two cognitive components (agency and pathway) were negatively associated with suicide ideation and behaviour. Furthermore, the narrative synthesis revealed that hope may mediate and moderate the relationship between a number of suicide risk and protective factors and suicide outcomes. Paper Two drew on a Delphi design to develop a consensus of how individuals with lived experience of suicide ideation and behaviour conceptualised recovery. Two rounds of the questionnaire were distributed online over a 6-month period. In the first round of the questionnaire, a total of 196 individuals gave their views, with 97 of these individuals also providing their views on the second round. A list of 111 statement defined as essential or important by 80% or more of the panel members was developed. Statements were categorised into those that define, support and hinder recovery. Paper Three provides a critical reflection on the research process along with theoretical, research and clinical implications.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Gillian Haddock (Supervisor) & Daniel Pratt (Supervisor)