Email: Jay-marie.mackenzie@my.westminster.ac.uk

Background

I completed my B.A (Hons.) in Psychology combined with Criminology at the University of Westminster in 2009.  I then went on to complete a graduate diploma in psychology.  In 2010 I began my PhD at the University of Westminster.

Title

Near miss suicide attempts or near miss incidents of self harm in offenders on community sentences.

Director of studies: Dr Jo Borrill

Second supervisor: Professor Paula Hixenbaugh

Project summary

Suicide is a major health problem worldwide and throughout the UK. Offenders are particularly at risk of suicide.  There is a considerable amount of research on suicide in offenders in prison settings. Although there is currently little research on suicide in offenders in non-custodial settings.  There are also few studies that focus on near lethal suicide/self harm.  Past research investigating suicide has used the autopsy type method to investigate suicide after the event.   This study will be investigating near lethal suicide in offenders in non-custodial settings.  Unlike previous research this research will be employing a near miss methodology rather than an autopsy method that may be subject to bias.

The aims of the research will be 1) to carry out an in-depth study of near miss incidents by offenders in community settings.  Near misses will include attempted suicide or potentially lethal incidents of self harm. 2) To identify triggering life events leading up to the near lethal incident and to map these onto the probation process. 3) To examine levels of Alexithymia, depression, impulsivity and psychiatric illness in both cases and controls and to explore associations between these levels and suicidal behaviour and/or self harm. 4) To identify potential improvements for support given to those who feel suicidal or who are experiencing emotional/psychological distress. The research outcomes would provide information to the probation service regarding the prevention of such incidents in the future, which in turn could inform the training and practice of staff.