Outputs (65)

Precision computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) for adolescents with depression: a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol for SPARX-UK (2024)
Journal Article
Khan, K., Hall, C. L., Babbage, C., Dodzo, S., Greenhalgh, C., Lucassen, M., …Hollis, C. (2024). Precision computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) for adolescents with depression: a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol for SPARX-UK. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 10(1), Article 53. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-024-01475-7

Background : A serious game called SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts), originally developed in New Zealand and incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles, has been shown to help reduce symptoms of depressi... Read More about Precision computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) for adolescents with depression: a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol for SPARX-UK.

The three Rs of Fear Messaging in a Global Pandemic: Recommendations, Ramifications, and Remediation (2024)
Journal Article
Dodsworth, L., Ahearne, G., Dingwall, R., Easthope, L., Riordan, M., & Townsend, E. (in press). The three Rs of Fear Messaging in a Global Pandemic: Recommendations, Ramifications, and Remediation. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy,

Risk and protective factors for self-harm thoughts and behaviours in transgender and gender diverse people: A systematic review. (2024)
Journal Article
Bird, K., Arcelus, J., Matsagoura, L., O'Shea, B., & Townsend, E. (in press). Risk and protective factors for self-harm thoughts and behaviours in transgender and gender diverse people: A systematic review. Heliyon, 10(5), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26074

Self-harm (any self-injury or -poisoning regardless of intent) is highly prevalent in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations. It is strongly associated with various adverse health and wellbeing outcomes, including suicide. Despite increased... Read More about Risk and protective factors for self-harm thoughts and behaviours in transgender and gender diverse people: A systematic review..

Friendship and self-harm: a retrospective qualitative study of young adults' experiences of supporting a friend who self-harmed during adolescence (2024)
Journal Article
Bilello, D., Townsend, E., Broome, M. R., & Burnett Heyes, S. (2024). Friendship and self-harm: a retrospective qualitative study of young adults' experiences of supporting a friend who self-harmed during adolescence. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1221661. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1221661

Introduction: Self-harm amongst young people is becoming increasingly prevalent. Understanding, responding to, and supporting young people who self-harm is vital. Friends are typically the first and sometimes the only source of support sought by adol... Read More about Friendship and self-harm: a retrospective qualitative study of young adults' experiences of supporting a friend who self-harmed during adolescence.

Enhancing emotion regulation with an in situ socially assistive robot among LGBTQ+ youth with self-harm ideation: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (2024)
Journal Article
Williams, A. J., Cleare, S., Borschmann, R., Tench, C. R., Gross, J., Hollis, C., …Slovak, P. (2024). Enhancing emotion regulation with an in situ socially assistive robot among LGBTQ+ youth with self-harm ideation: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 14(1), Article e079801. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079801

Introduction: Purrble, a socially assistive robot, was codesigned with children to support in situ emotion regulation. Preliminary evidence has found that LGBTQ+ youth are receptive to Purrble and find it to be an acceptable intervention to assist wi... Read More about Enhancing emotion regulation with an in situ socially assistive robot among LGBTQ+ youth with self-harm ideation: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Investigating the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriation of a socially assistive robot among minority youth at-risk of self-harm: Results of 2 Mixed Methods Pilot Studies (2023)
Journal Article
Williams, A. J., Townsend, E., Naeche, N., Chapman-Nisar, A., Hollis, C., & Slovak, P. (2023). Investigating the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriation of a socially assistive robot among minority youth at-risk of self-harm: Results of 2 Mixed Methods Pilot Studies. JMIR Formative Research, 7(1), Article e52336. https://doi.org/10.2196/52336

Background: Minority youth are at an increased risk of experiencing self-harmful thoughts and behaviors. However, there is limited evidence of successful interventions to support young people in the moment of their distress. Digital interventions are... Read More about Investigating the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriation of a socially assistive robot among minority youth at-risk of self-harm: Results of 2 Mixed Methods Pilot Studies.

Do young people who self-harm experience cognitions and emotions related to post-traumatic growth? (2023)
Journal Article
Murray, A., Wadman, R., & Townsend, E. (2024). Do young people who self-harm experience cognitions and emotions related to post-traumatic growth?. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 15, Article 100683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100683

Background: Adolescent self-harm is a vast public health concern with self-harm rates increasing each year. Looked-after adolescents are a group at increased risk of self-harm owing to adverse life-events and attachment issues, giving rise to difficu... Read More about Do young people who self-harm experience cognitions and emotions related to post-traumatic growth?.

Self-harm in university students: A comparative analysis of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (2023)
Journal Article
Clements, C., Farooq, B., Hawton, K., Geulayov, G., Casey, D., Waters, K., …Kapur, N. (2023). Self-harm in university students: A comparative analysis of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England. Journal of Affective Disorders, 335, 67-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.112

Background: Increases in poor mental health and suicide have been identified among university students in the UK. However, little is known about self-harm in this group. Aims: To describe and identify care needs of university aged-students who self-h... Read More about Self-harm in university students: A comparative analysis of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England.

We need timely access to mental health data: implications of the Goldacre review (2023)
Journal Article
Astle, D. E., Moore, A., Marryat, L., Viding, E., Mansfield, K. L., Fazel, M., …Ford, T. J. (2023). We need timely access to mental health data: implications of the Goldacre review. Lancet Psychiatry, 10(4), 242-244. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366%2823%2900030-5

The Goldacre review, published in April, 2022, 1 is a landmark evaluation of the use, availability, and safety of National Health Service (NHS) data across all four nations of the UK. The review underscores the necessary role of data in driving healt... Read More about We need timely access to mental health data: implications of the Goldacre review.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability (2023)
Journal Article
Newell, V., Phillips, L., Jones, C., Townsend, E., Richards, C., & Cassidy, S. (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability. Molecular Autism, 14, Article 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-023-00544-7

Background: Suicidality is highly prevalent in autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disabilities, and high autistic traits are found in adults who have attempted suicide. However, prevalence rates for both autistic and possibly autistic... Read More about A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability.

The characteristics, life problems and clinical management of older adults who self-harm: Findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England (2023)
Journal Article
Patel, A., Ness, J., Kelly, S., Waters, K., Townsend, E., Kapur, N., …Hawton, K. (2023). The characteristics, life problems and clinical management of older adults who self-harm: Findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 38(3), Article e5895. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5895

Background Older adults have a high risk of suicide following self-harm. Contemporary information on self-harm in this population is needed to inform care provision. Objectives To examine subgroup differences in the incidence of self-harm, socio... Read More about The characteristics, life problems and clinical management of older adults who self-harm: Findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England.

Adapted suicide safety plans to address self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide behaviours in autistic adults: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial (2023)
Journal Article
Rodgers, J., Goodwin, J., Nielsen, E., Bhattarai, N., Heslop, P., Kharatikoopaei, E., …Cassidy, S. (2023). Adapted suicide safety plans to address self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide behaviours in autistic adults: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 9, Article 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-023-01264-8

Background: Suicide prevention is a national priority for the UK government. Autistic people are at greater risk of experiencing self-harm and suicidal thoughts and behaviours than the general population. Safety plans are widely used in suicide preve... Read More about Adapted suicide safety plans to address self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide behaviours in autistic adults: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial.

A comparison of temporal pathways to self-harm in young people compared to adults: A pilot test of the Card Sort Task for Self-harm online using Indicator Wave Analysis (2023)
Journal Article
Lockwood, J., Babbage, C., Bird, K., Thynne, I., Barsky, A., Clarke, D. D., & Townsend, E. (2023). A comparison of temporal pathways to self-harm in young people compared to adults: A pilot test of the Card Sort Task for Self-harm online using Indicator Wave Analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Article 938003. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.938003

Background: Self-harm is complex, multifaceted, and dynamic, typically starts in adolescence, and is prevalent in young people. A novel research tool (the Card Sort Task for Self-harm; CaTS) offers a systematic approach to understanding this complexi... Read More about A comparison of temporal pathways to self-harm in young people compared to adults: A pilot test of the Card Sort Task for Self-harm online using Indicator Wave Analysis.

Examining the protective influence of posttraumatic growth on interpersonal suicide risk factors in a 6-week longitudinal study (2022)
Journal Article
Yasdiman, M. B., Townsend, E., & Blackie, L. E. R. (2022). Examining the protective influence of posttraumatic growth on interpersonal suicide risk factors in a 6-week longitudinal study. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 998836. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.998836

Research has found an inverse relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and suicidal ideation in military and community samples that holds when controlling for other suicide risk factors. However, further research is needed into the underlying... Read More about Examining the protective influence of posttraumatic growth on interpersonal suicide risk factors in a 6-week longitudinal study.

Feasibility and acceptability of experience sampling among LGBTQ+ young people with self-harmful thoughts and behaviours (2022)
Journal Article
Williams, A. J., Arcelus, J., Townsend, E., & Michail, M. (2022). Feasibility and acceptability of experience sampling among LGBTQ+ young people with self-harmful thoughts and behaviours. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Article 916164. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.916164

This study was the first to determine whether it was feasible and acceptable to use experience sampling methods (ESM) among LGBTQ+ young people, who had current experiences of self-harm. Sixteen LGBTQ+ young people (16–25 years old) took part in the... Read More about Feasibility and acceptability of experience sampling among LGBTQ+ young people with self-harmful thoughts and behaviours.

Investigating the relationship between bullying involvement and self-harmful thoughts and behaviour in young people: A systematic review (2022)
Journal Article
Moore, H., Sayal, K., Williams, A. J., & Townsend, E. (2022). Investigating the relationship between bullying involvement and self-harmful thoughts and behaviour in young people: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 315, 234-258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.056

Background: There is a complex and inconsistent relationship between bullying involvement and self-harmful thoughts and behaviour (SHTB) in young people. This novel systematic review aims to establish key interacting, moderating and mediating variabl... Read More about Investigating the relationship between bullying involvement and self-harmful thoughts and behaviour in young people: A systematic review.

Suicide numbers during the first 9-15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with pre-existing trends: An interrupted time series analysis in 33 countries (2022)
Journal Article
Pirkis, J., Gunnell, D., Shin, S., Del Pozo-Banos, M., Arya, V., Aguilar, P. A., …Spittal, M. J. (2022). Suicide numbers during the first 9-15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with pre-existing trends: An interrupted time series analysis in 33 countries. eClinicalMedicine, 51, Article 101573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101573

Background: Predicted increases in suicide were not generally observed in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the picture may be changing and patterns might vary across demographic groups. We aimed to provide a timely, granular pictur... Read More about Suicide numbers during the first 9-15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with pre-existing trends: An interrupted time series analysis in 33 countries.

The experiences and needs of supporting individuals of young people who self-harm: A systematic review and thematic synthesis (2022)
Journal Article
Mughal, F., Mi, T., Dikomitis, L., Tierney, S., Corp, N., Evans, N., …Chew-Graham, C. A. (2022). The experiences and needs of supporting individuals of young people who self-harm: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. eClinicalMedicine, 48, Article 101437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101437

Self-harm in young people is a serious international health concern that impacts on those providing informal support: the supporting individuals of young people. We aimed to highlight the experiences, views, and needs of these supporting individuals... Read More about The experiences and needs of supporting individuals of young people who self-harm: A systematic review and thematic synthesis.

Typology of content warnings and trigger warnings: Systematic review (2022)
Journal Article
Charles, A., Hare-Duke, L., Nudds, H., Franklin, D., Llewellyn-Beardsley, J., Rennick-Egglestone, S., …Slade, M. (2022). Typology of content warnings and trigger warnings: Systematic review. PLoS ONE, 17(5), Article e0266722. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266722

Content and trigger warnings give information about the content of material prior to receiving it. Different typologies of content warnings have emerged across multiple sectors, including health, social media, education and entertainment. Benefits ar... Read More about Typology of content warnings and trigger warnings: Systematic review.

The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation on Self-harm among Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Minority (LGBTQ+) Individuals (2022)
Journal Article
Kapatais, A., Williams, A. J., & Townsend, E. (2022). The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation on Self-harm among Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Minority (LGBTQ+) Individuals. Archives of Suicide Research, https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2022.2064254

Objective: The present study was conducted to (1) investigate the role of emotion regulation difficulties among self-harming Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals and (2) to test for a mediating role of emoti... Read More about The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation on Self-harm among Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Minority (LGBTQ+) Individuals.

Self-harm in people experiencing homelessness: an investigation of incidence, characteristics and outcomes using data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (2022)
Journal Article
Clements, C., Farooq, B., Hawton, K., Geulayov, G., Casey, D., Waters, K., …Kapur, N. (2022). Self-harm in people experiencing homelessness: an investigation of incidence, characteristics and outcomes using data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England. BJPsych Open, 8(2), Article e74. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2022.30

Background People who experience homelessness are thought to be at high risk of suicide, but little is known about self-harm in this population. Aims To examine characteristics and outcomes in people experiencing homelessness who presented to ho... Read More about Self-harm in people experiencing homelessness: an investigation of incidence, characteristics and outcomes using data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England.

Life problems in children and adolescents who self-harm: findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England (2022)
Journal Article
Townsend, E., Ness, J., Waters, K., Rehman, M., Kapur, N., Clements, C., …Hawton, K. (2022). Life problems in children and adolescents who self-harm: findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 27(4), 352-360. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12544

Background: Self-harm, a significant and increasing global problem in children and adolescents, is often repeated and is associated with risk of future suicide. To identify potential interventions, we need to understand the life problems faced by chi... Read More about Life problems in children and adolescents who self-harm: findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England.

Examining the protective function of perceptions of post-traumatic growth against entrapment and suicidal ideation (2022)
Journal Article
Yasdiman, M. B., Townsend, E., & Blackie, L. E. (2022). Examining the protective function of perceptions of post-traumatic growth against entrapment and suicidal ideation. Journal of Affective Disorders, 300, 474-480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.118

Background: Recent evidence has found that reporting post-traumatic growth (PTG) from a past stressful life event is associated with lower reports of suicidal ideation. Perceptions of PTG measure the extent to which an individual reports positive cha... Read More about Examining the protective function of perceptions of post-traumatic growth against entrapment and suicidal ideation.

Understanding the processes underlying self-harm ideationand behaviors within LGBTQ+ young people: Aqualitative study (2021)
Journal Article
Williams, A. J., Arcelus, J., Townsend, E., & Michail, M. (2021). Understanding the processes underlying self-harm ideationand behaviors within LGBTQ+ young people: Aqualitative study. Archives of Suicide Research, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2021.2003273

Objective This study aims to understand the processes underlying self-harmful thoughts and behaviors, with and without suicidal intent, among LGBTQ+ young people. Method Nineteen semi-structured interviews took place between October 2019 and May... Read More about Understanding the processes underlying self-harm ideationand behaviors within LGBTQ+ young people: Aqualitative study.

Self-harm in children and adolescents by ethnic group: an observational cohort study from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England (2021)
Journal Article
Farooq, B., Clements, C., Hawton, K., Ness, J., Patel, A., Kelly, S., …Kapur, N. (2021). Self-harm in children and adolescents by ethnic group: an observational cohort study from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England. Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 5(11), 782-791. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642%2821%2900239-X

Background: Studies report an increasing incidence of self-harm in children and adolescents, but the extent to which this is seen in different ethnic groups is unclear. We aimed to investigate rates of emergency department presentations for self-harm... Read More about Self-harm in children and adolescents by ethnic group: an observational cohort study from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England.

Self-harm in children 12 years and younger: characteristics and outcomes based on the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (2021)
Journal Article
Geulayov, G., Casey, D., Bale, L., Brand, F., Townsend, E., Ness, J., …Hawton, K. (2022). Self-harm in children 12 years and younger: characteristics and outcomes based on the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 57(1), 139-148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-021-02133-6

Background: Very little is known about self-harm in children. We describe the characteristics and outcomes of children under 13years who presented following self-harm to five hospitals in England. Methods: We included children under 13years who prese... Read More about Self-harm in children 12 years and younger: characteristics and outcomes based on the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England.

Suicide trends in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic: Interrupted time series analysis of preliminary data from 21 countries (2021)
Journal Article
Pirkis, J., John, A., Shin, S., Delpozo-Banos, M., Arya, V., Aguilar, P. A., …Spittal, M. J. (2021). Suicide trends in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic: Interrupted time series analysis of preliminary data from 21 countries. Lancet Psychiatry, 8(7), 579-588. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366%2821%2900091-2

A systematic review and meta-analysis of victimisation and mental health prevalence among LGBTQ+ young people with experiences of self-harm and suicide (2021)
Journal Article
Williams, A. J., Jones, C., Arcelus, J., Townsend, E., Lazaridou, A., & Michail, M. (2021). A systematic review and meta-analysis of victimisation and mental health prevalence among LGBTQ+ young people with experiences of self-harm and suicide. PLoS ONE, 16(1), Article e0245268. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245268

Background: LGBTQ+ youth have higher rates of self-harm and suicide than cisgender, heterosexual peers. Less is known about prevalence of risks within these populations. Objectives: The first systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the... Read More about A systematic review and meta-analysis of victimisation and mental health prevalence among LGBTQ+ young people with experiences of self-harm and suicide.

What young people say about impulsivity in the short-term build up to self-harm: A qualitative study using card-sort tasks (2020)
Journal Article
Lockwood, J., Townsend, E., Allen, H., Daley, D., & Sayal, K. (2020). What young people say about impulsivity in the short-term build up to self-harm: A qualitative study using card-sort tasks. PLoS ONE, 15(12), Article e0244319. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244319

Youth who self-harm report high levels of trait impulsivity and identify impulsive behaviour as a proximal factor directly preceding a self-harm act. Yet, impulsivity is a multidimensional construct and distinct impulsivity-related facets relate diff... Read More about What young people say about impulsivity in the short-term build up to self-harm: A qualitative study using card-sort tasks.

Advancing Our Understanding of Self-harm, Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours in Autism (2020)
Journal Article
Cassidy, S. A., Robertson, A., Townsend, E., O’Connor, R. C., & Rodgers, J. (2020). Advancing Our Understanding of Self-harm, Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours in Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50, 3445–3449. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04643-9

Until recently, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours have not received extensive attention in autism research. The extant research evidence indicates high rates of selfharm and suicidality in autistic people, but little research exploring why,... Read More about Advancing Our Understanding of Self-harm, Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours in Autism.

Impulsivity as a predictor of self-harm onset and maintenance in young adolescents: a longitudinal prospective study (2020)
Journal Article
Lockwood, J., Townsend, E., Daley, D., & Sayal, K. (2020). Impulsivity as a predictor of self-harm onset and maintenance in young adolescents: a longitudinal prospective study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 274, 583-592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.021

Background Rates of self-harm in young adolescents are increasing and self-harm typically emerges at this developmental stage. Greater specificity of impulsivity as a multifaceted construct is enabling investigation of links between individual impul... Read More about Impulsivity as a predictor of self-harm onset and maintenance in young adolescents: a longitudinal prospective study.

What do young people who self-harm find helpful? A comparative study of young people with and without experience of being looked after in care: What do young people who self-harm find helpful? (2020)
Journal Article
Holland, J., Sayal, K., Berry, A., Sawyer, C., Majumder, P., Vostanis, P., …Townsend, E. (2020). What do young people who self-harm find helpful? A comparative study of young people with and without experience of being looked after in care: What do young people who self-harm find helpful?. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 25(3), 157-164. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12384

Background Self‐harm amongst young people is an increasing problem, with looked‐after young people at higher risk. Despite this, little research exists on what young people who self‐harm find helpful. Method One hundred and twenty‐six 11–21... Read More about What do young people who self-harm find helpful? A comparative study of young people with and without experience of being looked after in care: What do young people who self-harm find helpful?.

Mortality in children and adolescents following presentation to hospital after non-fatal self-harm in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm: a prospective observational cohort study (2020)
Journal Article
Hawton, K., Bale, L., Brand, F., Townsend, E., Ness, J., Waters, K., …Geulayov, G. (2020). Mortality in children and adolescents following presentation to hospital after non-fatal self-harm in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm: a prospective observational cohort study. Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 4(2), 111-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642%2819%2930373-6

© 2020 Elsevier Ltd Background: Self-harm and suicide in children and adolescents are growing problems, and self-harm is associated with a significant risk of subsequent death, particularly suicide. Long-term follow-up studies are necessary to examin... Read More about Mortality in children and adolescents following presentation to hospital after non-fatal self-harm in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm: a prospective observational cohort study.

A Behaviour Sequence Analysis of Young People and Gambling-Related Harm (2019)
Journal Article
Keatley, D., Parke, A., Townsend, E., Markham, C., & Clarke, D. (2019). A Behaviour Sequence Analysis of Young People and Gambling-Related Harm. Journal of Gambling Issues, 43,

Gambling is a worldwide issue that requires continued, extensive investigation. Most people have gambled at some point in their lives, and many do so without incurring problems. However, a number of individuals do experience gambling-related harm, an... Read More about A Behaviour Sequence Analysis of Young People and Gambling-Related Harm.

Is Camouflaging Autistic Traits Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours? Expanding the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide in an Undergraduate Student Sample (2019)
Journal Article
Cassidy, S. A., Gould, K., Townsend, E., Pelton, M., Robertson, A. E., & Rodgers, J. (2020). Is Camouflaging Autistic Traits Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours? Expanding the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide in an Undergraduate Student Sample. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(10), 3638–3648. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04323-3

The current study explored whether people who camouflage autistic traits are more likely to experience thwarted belongingness and suicidality, as predicted by the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS). 160 undergraduate students (86.9%... Read More about Is Camouflaging Autistic Traits Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours? Expanding the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide in an Undergraduate Student Sample.

"These things don't work": young people's views on harm minimisation strategies as a proxy for self-harm: a mixed methods approach (2019)
Journal Article
Wadman, R., Nielsen, E., O’Raw, L., Brown, K., Williams, A. J., Sayal, K., & Townsend, E. (2019). "These things don't work": young people's views on harm minimisation strategies as a proxy for self-harm: a mixed methods approach. Archives of Suicide Research, 24(3), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2019.1624669

Objective: Although UK clinical guidelines make tentative recommendations for 'harm minimisation' strategies for repeated self-harm, this is in the absence of empirical evidence supporting their acceptability or effectiveness. We explore young peopl... Read More about "These things don't work": young people's views on harm minimisation strategies as a proxy for self-harm: a mixed methods approach.

Self-harm in midlife: an analysis using data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (2019)
Journal Article
Clements, C., Hawton, K., Geulayov, G., Waters, K., Ness, J., Rehman, M., …Kapur, N. (2019). Self-harm in midlife: an analysis using data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England. British Journal of Psychiatry, 215(4), 600-607. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2019.90

Background: Suicide rates in England are highest in men and women in midlife (defined here as people aged 40-59 years). Despite the link between self-harm and suicide there has been little focus on self-harm in this age-group. Method: Data from th... Read More about Self-harm in midlife: an analysis using data from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England.

Psychosocial interventions for people who self-harm: Methodological issues involved in trials to evaluate effectiveness (2019)
Journal Article
Witt, K., Townsend, E., Arensman, E., Gunnell, D., Hazell, P., Salisbury, T. T., …Hawton, K. (2020). Psychosocial interventions for people who self-harm: Methodological issues involved in trials to evaluate effectiveness. Archives of Suicide Research, 24(sup2), S32-S93. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2019.1592043

We have assessed the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to prevent self-harm repetition and suicide. Trials were identified in two systematic reviews of RCTs of psychosocial treatments following a recent (w... Read More about Psychosocial interventions for people who self-harm: Methodological issues involved in trials to evaluate effectiveness.

Time to take self-harm in young people seriously (2019)
Journal Article
Townsend, E. (2019). Time to take self-harm in young people seriously. Lancet Psychiatry, 6(4), 279-280. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366%2819%2930101-4

Feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of remotely delivered problem-solving cognitive behaviour therapy versus usual care for young people with depression and repeat self-harm: lessons learnt (e-DASH) (2019)
Journal Article
Sayal, K., Roe, J., Ball, H., Atha, C., Kaylor-Hughes, C., Guo, B., …Morriss, R. (2019). Feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of remotely delivered problem-solving cognitive behaviour therapy versus usual care for young people with depression and repeat self-harm: lessons learnt (e-DASH). BMC Psychiatry, 19(1), Article 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-2005-3

Background Self-harm and depression are strong risk factors for repeat self-harm and suicide. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of remotely delivered problem-solving cognitive behaviour therapy (PSCBT)... Read More about Feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of remotely delivered problem-solving cognitive behaviour therapy versus usual care for young people with depression and repeat self-harm: lessons learnt (e-DASH).

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of young people’s self-harm in the context of interpersonal stressors and supports: parents, peers and clinical services (2018)
Journal Article
Wadman, R., Vostanis, P., Sayal, K., Majumder, P., Harroe, C., Clarke, D., …Townsend, E. (2018). An interpretative phenomenological analysis of young people’s self-harm in the context of interpersonal stressors and supports: parents, peers and clinical services. Social Science and Medicine, 212, 120-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.07.021

Rationale: Self-harm in young people is of significant clinical concern. Multiple psychological, social and clinical factors contribute to self-harm, but it remains a poorly understood phenomenon with limited effective treatment options. Objective: T... Read More about An interpretative phenomenological analysis of young people’s self-harm in the context of interpersonal stressors and supports: parents, peers and clinical services.

What do young adolescents think about taking part in longitudinal self-harm research?: findings from a school-based study (2018)
Journal Article
Lockwood, J., Townsend, E., Royes, L., Daley, D., & Sayal, K. (2018). What do young adolescents think about taking part in longitudinal self-harm research?: findings from a school-based study. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 12(23), https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-018-0230-7

Background: Research about self-harm in adolescence is important given the high incidence in youth, and strong links to suicide and other poor outcomes. Clarifying the impact of involvement in school based self-harm studies on young adolescents is an... Read More about What do young adolescents think about taking part in longitudinal self-harm research?: findings from a school-based study.

Treatment as usual (TAU) as a control condition in trials of cognitive behavioural-based psychotherapy for self-harm: impact of content and quality on outcomes in a systematic review (2018)
Journal Article
Witt, K., de Moraes, D. P., Salisbury, T. T., Arensman, E., Gunnell, D., Hazell, P., …Hawton, K. (2018). Treatment as usual (TAU) as a control condition in trials of cognitive behavioural-based psychotherapy for self-harm: impact of content and quality on outcomes in a systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 235, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.025

Background Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the mainstay of evaluations of the efficacy of psychosocial interventions. In a recent Cochrane systematic review we analysed the efficacy of cognitive behavioural-based psychotherapies compared t... Read More about Treatment as usual (TAU) as a control condition in trials of cognitive behavioural-based psychotherapy for self-harm: impact of content and quality on outcomes in a systematic review.

‘Great powers and great responsibilities’: a brief comment on A brief mobile app reduces nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injury: evidence from three randomized controlled trials (Franklin et al., 2016) (2017)
Journal Article
Nielsen, E., Kirtley, O., & Townsend, E. (2017). ‘Great powers and great responsibilities’: a brief comment on A brief mobile app reduces nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injury: evidence from three randomized controlled trials (Franklin et al., 2016). Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 85(8), 826-830. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000189

Online and mobile mental health applications (apps) herald exciting new opportunities for the treatment and prevention of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). With such rapid technological advances it is paramount that healthcare innovation... Read More about ‘Great powers and great responsibilities’: a brief comment on A brief mobile app reduces nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injury: evidence from three randomized controlled trials (Franklin et al., 2016).

Exploring thematic nightmare content and associated self-harm risk (2017)
Journal Article
Hochard, K. D., Ashcroft, S., Carroll, J., Heym, N., & Townsend, E. (2019). Exploring thematic nightmare content and associated self-harm risk. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 49(1), 64-75. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12402

Nightmares have been shown to be robust predictors of self-harm risk, beyond depressive symptoms and hopelessness at times. However, few studies have investigated associations between nightmare content and increased self-harm risk. The present study... Read More about Exploring thematic nightmare content and associated self-harm risk.

Experience of self-harm and its treatment in looked-after young people: an interpretative phenomenological analysis (2017)
Journal Article
Wadman, R., Armstrong, M., Clarke, D., Harroe, C., Majumder, P., Sayal, K., …Townsend, E. (in press). Experience of self-harm and its treatment in looked-after young people: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Archives of Suicide Research, 22(3), https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2017.1355286

Objectives: We report the first Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis examination of self-harm and experience of clinical services in young people in the public care system. Methods: Qualitative interviews with 24 looked-after young people. Result... Read More about Experience of self-harm and its treatment in looked-after young people: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.

A sequence analysis of patterns in self-harm in young people with and without experience of being looked-after in care (2017)
Journal Article
Wadman, R., Clarke, D., Sayal, K., Armstrong, M., Harroe, C., Majumder, P., …Townsend, E. (2017). A sequence analysis of patterns in self-harm in young people with and without experience of being looked-after in care. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 56(4), 388-407. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12145

Objectives: Young people in the public care system (‘looked-after’ young people) have high levels of self-harm. Design: This paper reports the first detailed study of factors leading to self-harm over time in looked-after young people in England, usi... Read More about A sequence analysis of patterns in self-harm in young people with and without experience of being looked-after in care.

Functional coping dynamics and experiential avoidance in a community sample with no self-injury vs. non-suicidal self-injury only vs. those with both non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviour (2017)
Journal Article
Nielsen, E., Sayal, K., & Townsend, E. (2017). Functional coping dynamics and experiential avoidance in a community sample with no self-injury vs. non-suicidal self-injury only vs. those with both non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviour. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(6), Article 575. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060575

Although emotional avoidance may be a critical factor in the pathway from psychological distress to self-injury and/or suicidality, little is known about the relative importance of differing functional coping dynamics and experiential avoidance betwe... Read More about Functional coping dynamics and experiential avoidance in a community sample with no self-injury vs. non-suicidal self-injury only vs. those with both non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviour.

Public perceptions of self-harm: a test of an attribution model of public discrimination (2017)
Journal Article
Nielsen, E., & Townsend, E. (in press). Public perceptions of self-harm: a test of an attribution model of public discrimination. Stigma and Health, https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000090

This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study applied Corrigan, Markowitz, Watson, Rowan, and Kubiak’s (2003) attribution model of public discrimination toward individuals with mental ill-health to explore public perceptions of self-harm—an underre... Read More about Public perceptions of self-harm: a test of an attribution model of public discrimination.

Impulsivity and self-harm in adolescence: a systematic review (2016)
Journal Article
Lockwood, J., Daley, D., Townsend, E., & Sayal, K. (2017). Impulsivity and self-harm in adolescence: a systematic review. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 26(4), 387-402. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-016-0915-5

Research supports an association between impulsivity and self-harm, yet inconsistencies in methodology across studies have complicated understanding of this relationship. This systematic review examines the association between impulsivity and self-ha... Read More about Impulsivity and self-harm in adolescence: a systematic review.

Dealing with difficult days: functional coping dynamics in self-harm ideation and enactment (2016)
Journal Article
Nielsen, E., Sayal, K., & Townsend, E. (2017). Dealing with difficult days: functional coping dynamics in self-harm ideation and enactment. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.08.036

Background: Self-harm affords people a means of coping. However, little is known about how functional coping dynamics differ between stressful situations in which people self-harm (enactment), think about harming (ideation), or experience no self-har... Read More about Dealing with difficult days: functional coping dynamics in self-harm ideation and enactment.

Investigating the interaction between sleep symptoms of arousal and acquired capability in predicting suicidality (2016)
Journal Article
Hochard, K. D., Heym, N., & Townsend, E. (in press). Investigating the interaction between sleep symptoms of arousal and acquired capability in predicting suicidality. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12285

Heightened arousal significantly interacts with acquired capability to predict suicidality. We explore this interaction with insomnia and nightmares independently of waking state arousal symptoms, and test predictions of the Interpersonal Theory of S... Read More about Investigating the interaction between sleep symptoms of arousal and acquired capability in predicting suicidality.

Exploring the relationship between experiential avoidance, coping functions and the recency and frequency of self-harm (2016)
Journal Article
Schmahl, C., Nielsen, E., Sayal, K., & Townsend, E. (2016). Exploring the relationship between experiential avoidance, coping functions and the recency and frequency of self-harm. PLoS ONE, 11(7), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0159854

This study investigated the relationship between experiential avoidance, coping and the recency and frequency of self-harm, in a community sample (N = 1332, aged 16–69 years). Participants completed online, self-report measures assessing self-harm, m... Read More about Exploring the relationship between experiential avoidance, coping functions and the recency and frequency of self-harm.

Psychosocial interventions following self-harm in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2016)
Journal Article
Hawton, K., Witt, K. G., Taylor Salisbury, T. L., Arensman, E., Gunnell, D., Hazell, P., …van Heeringen, K. (2016). Psychosocial interventions following self-harm in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry, 3(8), https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366%2816%2930070-0

Background: Self-harm (intentional acts of non-fatal self-poisoning or self-injury) is common, often repeated and strongly associated with suicide. Effective aftercare of individuals who self-harm is therefore important. We have undertaken a Cochrane... Read More about Psychosocial interventions following self-harm in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Uncovering key patterns in self-harm in adolescents: sequence analysis using the card sort task for self-harm (CaTS) (2016)
Journal Article
Townsend, E., Wadman, R., Sayal, K., Armstrong, M., Harroe, C., Majumder, P., …Clarke, D. (2016). Uncovering key patterns in self-harm in adolescents: sequence analysis using the card sort task for self-harm (CaTS). Journal of Affective Disorders, 206, 161-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.07.004

Background Self-harm is a significant clinical issue in adolescence. There is little research on the interplay of key factors in the months, weeks, days and hours leading to self-harm. We developed the Card Sort Task for Self-Harm (CaTS) to invest... Read More about Uncovering key patterns in self-harm in adolescents: sequence analysis using the card sort task for self-harm (CaTS).

Psychosocial interventions for self-harm in adults (2016)
Journal Article
Hawton, K., Witt, K. G., Taylor Salisbury, T. L., Arensman, E., Gunnell, D., Hazell, P., …van Heeringen, K. (in press). Psychosocial interventions for self-harm in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012189

Background: Self-harm (SH; intentional self-poisoning or self-injury) is common, often repeated, and associated with suicide. This is an update of a broader Cochrane review first published in 1998, previously updated in 1999, and now split into three... Read More about Psychosocial interventions for self-harm in adults.

Epidemiology and trends in non-fatal self-harm in three centres in England, 2000–2012: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England (2016)
Journal Article
Geulayov, G., Kapur, N., Turnbull, P., Clements, C., Waters, K., Ness, J., …Hawton, K. (2016). Epidemiology and trends in non-fatal self-harm in three centres in England, 2000–2012: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England. BMJ Open, 6, Article e010538. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010538

Objectives: Self-harm is a major health problem in many countries, with potential adverse outcomes including suicide and other causes of premature death. It is important to monitor national trends in this behaviour. We examined trends in non-fatal se... Read More about Epidemiology and trends in non-fatal self-harm in three centres in England, 2000–2012: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England.

The behavioral effects of frequent nightmares on stress tolerance (2016)
Journal Article
Hochard, K. D., Heym, N., & Townsend, E. (2016). The behavioral effects of frequent nightmares on stress tolerance. Dreaming, 26(1), 42-49. https://doi.org/10.1037/drm0000013

Frequent nightmares have been linked to daily distress using self-report measures. The present study investigated the impact of frequent nightmares on a stressful cognitive test requiring participants to perform additions of 2 previously displayed si... Read More about The behavioral effects of frequent nightmares on stress tolerance.

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of self-harm repetition and recovery in young adults (2016)
Journal Article
Wadman, R., Clarke, D., Sayal, K., Vostanis, P., Armstrong, M., Harroe, C., …Townsend, E. (2016). An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of self-harm repetition and recovery in young adults. Journal of Health Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316631405

Six young adults (19–21) with repeat self-harm for over five years were interviewed about their self-harm, why they continued and what factors might help them to stop. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis identified six themes: Keeping self-harm... Read More about An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of self-harm repetition and recovery in young adults.

Rates of self-harm presenting to general hospitals: a comparison of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England and Hospital Episode Statistics (2016)
Journal Article
Clements, C., Turnbull, P., Hawton, K., Geulayov, G., Waters, K., Ness, J., …Kapur, N. (2016). Rates of self-harm presenting to general hospitals: a comparison of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England and Hospital Episode Statistics. BMJ Open, 6, Article e009749. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009749

Objective: Rates of hospital presentation for self-harm in England were compared using different national and local data sources. Design: The study was descriptive and compared bespoke data collection methods for recording self-harm presentations... Read More about Rates of self-harm presenting to general hospitals: a comparison of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England and Hospital Episode Statistics.

Baby knows best? The impact of weaning style on food preferences and body mass index in early childhood in a case–controlled sample (2012)
Journal Article
Townsend, E., & Pitchford, N. J. (2012). Baby knows best? The impact of weaning style on food preferences and body mass index in early childhood in a case–controlled sample. BMJ Open, 2(1), Article e000298. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000298

Objective The impact of different weaning methods on food preferences and body mass index (BMI) in early childhood is not known. Here, we examine if weaning method—baby-led weaning versus traditional spoon feeding—influences food preferences and heal... Read More about Baby knows best? The impact of weaning style on food preferences and body mass index in early childhood in a case–controlled sample.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions relevant for young offenders with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or self-harm (2009)
Journal Article
Townsend, E., Walker, D., Sargeant, S., Vostanis, P., Hawton, K., Stocker, O., & Sithole, J. (2010). Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions relevant for young offenders with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or self-harm. Journal of Adolescence, 33(1), 9-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.05.015

Background: Mood and anxiety disorders, and problems with self harm are significant and serious issues that are common in young people in the Criminal Justice System. Aims: To examine whether interventions relevant to young offenders with mood or an... Read More about Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions relevant for young offenders with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or self-harm.

Implicit attitudes towards Genetically Modified (GM) foods: a comparison of context-free and context-dependent evaluations (2006)
Journal Article
Spence, A., & Townsend, E. (2006). Implicit attitudes towards Genetically Modified (GM) foods: a comparison of context-free and context-dependent evaluations. Appetite, 46(2), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2005.09.003

Past research on attitudes towards GM food has focused on measuring explicit attitudes. Here we compared implicit attitudes towards GM foods with explicit attitudes towards GM foods. We used the Go No-Go task to investigate context-free implicit eval... Read More about Implicit attitudes towards Genetically Modified (GM) foods: a comparison of context-free and context-dependent evaluations.

Examining consumer behaviour toward genetically modified (GM) food in Britain (2006)
Journal Article
Spence, A., & Townsend, E. (2006). Examining consumer behaviour toward genetically modified (GM) food in Britain. Risk Analysis, 26(3), https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.2006.00777.x

This study examined behaviour towards genetically modified (GM) food in a British community-based sample. We used an equivalent gain task in which participants actually received the options they chose to encourage truthful responding. In conjunction... Read More about Examining consumer behaviour toward genetically modified (GM) food in Britain.

Spontaneous evaluations: similarities and differences between the affect heuristic and implicit attitudes
Journal Article
Spence, A., & Townsend, E. Spontaneous evaluations: similarities and differences between the affect heuristic and implicit attitudes. Cognition and Emotion, 22(1), https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930701298432

The affect heuristic and implicit attitudes are two separate concepts that have arisen within different literatures but that have a number of similarities. This paper compares these two constructs with the aim of clarifying exactly what they are and... Read More about Spontaneous evaluations: similarities and differences between the affect heuristic and implicit attitudes.