The Impact of Participating in Suicide Research Online |
| |
| Authors: | Susanne Gibson PhD Zoe V. R. Boden PhD Outi Benson PhD MPhil Sarah L. Brand PhD |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. School of Health and Social Care, University of Surrey, , UK;2. Department of Psychology, University of Birmingham, , UK;3. University of Exeter Medical School, , Exeter, UK;4. European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, , Exeter, UK |
| |
| Abstract: | The impact of participation in online mixed‐methods suicide research was investigated. Participants, who described feeling suicidal, completed an 18‐item questionnaire before and after taking part (n = 103), and answered open‐ended questions about participation (n = 97). Overall, participation reduced negative experiences and had no effect on positive experiences. Feelings of calm increased, but participants felt less supported. Some participants did experience distress, but some also reported this distress to be manageable. Anonymously sharing experiences of suicidality was viewed as important, had therapeutic benefits, and engendered hopes for recovery. The findings suggest a need to ensure vulnerable participants in online studies are well supported while protecting their anonymity. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
