Citation

Mallon S, Bell J. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 111.

Affiliation

University of Central Lancashire, Ha341 Social Work Department, UCLAN, PR1 2HE Preston, UK. smallon@uclan.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964061

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To explore the methodological challenges in identifying cases and collecting qualitative data for a study of student suicide in British universities. Methods: This RaPSS study has explored prevention and postvention in student suicide using a case study approach. Ethical and legal considerations suggested contact with potential participants should be made through an intermediary. All Higher Educational Institutions in the UK were contacted and asked to consider contacting the families of students who had died as a result of suicide. Summary of results: Research addressing the specific nature of student suicide was welcomed by key stakeholders in the sector. However the team encountered considerable levels of resistance among individual institutions. Reasons for refusal were largely related to concerns about making contact with potential participants, although other significant factors included perceptions of potential harm for both participants and institutions engaging with suicide research. Brief conclusions: Exploring suicide through case studies is a particularly sensitive area, however the difficulties are compounded when engaging with independent institutional bodies. Further work is needed within the sector to overcome barriers to discussion of student suicide.

Language: en