Funded suicide prevention research
Analysis of suicide methods and locations
Research team: Dr Sunny Collings (University of Otago), Barry Taylor.
This project is investigating the frequency of different methods and locations in previous New Zealand suicides. Information on approximately 1000 suicide deaths will be analysed to examine the frequency of methods (cause of death) and types of location, and determine whether common methods and locations differ across age, sex and ethnicity. The study will also examine whether trends in methods used and location have changed between 2005/2006 and 1997/1998. This study will provide background information to support the development of policies and other strategies that reduce access to suicide means.
Evaluation of Phase 2 of the self-harm and suicide prevention collaborative
Research team: Julian King (Health Outcomes International), Kataraina Pipi (Independent Maori Evaluator), Gareth Edwards (Consumer Adviser), Michelle Moss (Health Outcomes International).
This project evaluates the work of the Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Collaborative: Whakawhanaungatanga led by the New Zealand Guidelines Group. The collaborative aims to improve the care of people at risk of suicide by supporting DHB emergency departments, mental health and Maori health settings to implement best practice. The evaluation is focusing on the progress and impact of best practice use in local DHB settings, the quality of national collaborative activities, and stakeholder satisfaction with the collaborative.
Pilot study of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for young people with self-harm
Research team: Dr Emily Cooney (ADHB), Dr Kirsten Davis, Pania Thompson and Joanna Stewart.
Field trials suggest that dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) may be effective for reducing self-harm in adolescents; however no randomised controlled trials have been published on the effectiveness of DBT with this population. This small-scale pilot study seeks to evaluate the acceptability of DBT treatment and of research participation by New Zealand families with adolescents experiencing self-harm.
Geospatial mapping of suicide and suicide attempt clusters in New Zealand
Research team: Associate Professor Annette Beautrais (University of Otago, Visiting Professor at Yale University) and Professor Gregory Larkin (Yale University).
International research suggests that suicide clusters may be more common in certain groups. This study uses the recently developed statistical technique of geospatial mapping to estimate the extent of suicide clusters and explore whether geographic, demographic or social deprivation characteristics are associated with suicide clusters. By identifying vulnerable populations and suicide cluster phenomenon the results of this study can inform suicide prevention efforts in New Zealand and internationally.
Media influences on suicidal behaviour
Research team: Dr Sunny Collings (University of Otago), Dr Sarah Fortune and Prof Keith Hawton.
This project is investigating how the media may influence the occurrence of deliberate self-harm. The researchers have examined the content of websites accessible from New Zealand which provide information for people at risk of suicide. Detailed information is now being collected concerning the possible mechanisms of media influence on self-harm through structured interviews with people aged between 12 and 25 years. The results will inform the development of policies and interventions to limit negative, and support positive effects of web-based media.
Youth '07: The Health and Wellbeing of Secondary School Students in New Zealand (PDF, 2.4MB)
Research team: Simon Denny, Terry Fleming, Peter Watson, Shanthi Ameratunga, Elizabeth Robinson, Jennifer Utter, Terryann Clark, Robyn Dixon, Sue Crengle, Sally Merry, David Schaaf.
This study compiled and analysed information about the prevalence of mental illness, suicidal thoughts and behaviours of over 9000 secondary school students from the Youth 2000 and Youth 2007 surveys. Prevalence rates were calculated for; emotional well-being, depression and anxiety symptoms, behavioural problems, mental health services access, deliberate self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours and incidence of death from suicide by a friend or family member for the group of young people who participated in the survey. Prevalence rates were then analysed according to age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic status, rural/urban location and 2001/2007 data. The researchers have produced a fact sheet (PDF, 800KB) to accompany the full report (PDF, 2.4MB) on the Te Pou and Youth 2007 websites.
Reporting of suicide in New Zealand media - a content analysis (PDF, 3MB)
Research team: Dr Brian McKenna (Auckland Uniservices Ltd), Katey Thom, Gareth Edwards, Dr Raymond Nairn, Anthony O'Brien, Ingrid Leary.
This study investigated media reporting of suicide behaviour in New Zealand. The researchers have produced a description of the type, content and quality of reporting in newspaper, broadcasting, television and internet excerpts published in a 12 month period. Five case studies were examined in further depth to explore aspects of media content that may lead audiences to draw specific conclusions about the suicide event. The information collected can be used to support the implementation of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012 (Ministry of Health, 2008) and the effectiveness of the Ministry of Health guidelines on suicide reporting. Download the report (PDF, 3MB) and the associated factsheet (PDF, 540KB).
The role of dynamic family factors in the development and management of suicidal risk in young people
Research team: Dr John Fitzgerald (The Psychology Centre, Hamilton), Dr Karma Gayler, Phillipa Thomas and Gavin Whiu.
This project aims to identify characteristics which differentiate families who cope well with the threat or loss of suicide from those who do not (for example communication, emotion management or problem solving). Participants are being recruited from families of people who have committed or attempted suicide, families who have a member attending a mental health clinic and families without experience of mental illness. The researchers have examined how family dynamics relate to the experience of and response to suicidal behaviour. Information about ‘resilient’ family dynamics will support the development of a family intervention strategy which targets family resilience.
Review and update of suicide prevention guidelines for schools
Research team: Dr Sunny Collings (University of Otago), Barry Taylor.
These researchers will review and update the existing suicide prevention guidelines for schools. New evidence and services have emerged since the original guidelines were developed over 10 years ago. The guidelines update will be informed by stakeholder consultation, literature review and pre-testing of the updated guidelines. The researchers will produce a full guideline, literature review and summary guideline aimed at school stakeholder audiences. These documents will include evidence-based recommendations for safe and effective suicide prevention in schools.
Report to inform the provision of mental health promotion and prevention services to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex populations in New Zealand
Research team: (SHORE and Whariki Research Centre) Jeffery Adams, Dr Pauline Dickinson, Dr Launuola Asiasiga, Dr Tim McCreanor, Associate Professor Helen Moewaka Barnes.
This project will produce a needs assessment report on mental health promotion and prevention service requirements for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) populations in New Zealand. The report will include a review of the evidence, a description of existing services and programmes and identification of gaps in service provision. It will also provide recommendations for service provision and funding which would improve mental health promotion and prevention service provision and inter-agency collaboration for resourcing services.
Page last updated: 2 September 2010