The Impact of Participating in Suicide Research Online

Suzanne Gibson, Zoe Boden, Outi Benson, Sarah L. Brand

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    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.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)372-383
    JournalSuicide and Life-threatening behavior
    Volume44
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Keywords

    • suicide and suicide prevention
    • online research
    • anonymity
    • research ethics
    • Qualitative Research
    • Questionnaires

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