The prevalence rates for adolescent suicide and self-harm are alarming, suggesting a continued need for research into effective treatment strategies for young people experiencing suicidal phenomena. This thesis explores the impact of two treatment approaches: Mindfulness and Broad Minded Affective Coping (BMAC; Tarrier, 2010). Paper One is a systematic review exploring the potential role of mindfulness in the treatment of adolescent suicidality and depression. There were two broad aims: to present an argument for the utility of mindfulness practice in alleviating suicidal phenomena and depression in young people, and to systematically review studies that examined the impact of mindfulness-based approaches with adolescent populations, specifically exploring outcomes relating to suicide, self-harm, and depression. Twenty-eight papers were identified; studies were critically evaluated and findings were integrated to provide an overall account of the potential efficacy of mindfulness-based approaches. Findings were promising, suggesting that these approaches could be helpful in the treatment of young people experiencing suicidal phenomena or depression. Areas for further exploration are considered and clinical implications discussed. Paper Two is an empirical paper investigating the effectiveness of a therapeutic tool of affect-regulation – the Broad Minded Affective Coping (BMAC) method. A case-series design was employed and participants were young people who had recently attempted suicide or self-harmed. The study explored the impact of BMAC practice on self-reported hope and happiness and on a range of outcomes associated with adolescent suicidality. Findings were promising; BMAC practice appeared to be associated with improvements in all areas of interest. Whilst encouraging, findings are considered in light of the limitations of case-series methodologies. Future investigations are recommended, and clinical implications outlined. Paper Three is a reflective paper exploring the process of conducting the aforementioned research and discussing some of the challenges involved. Reflections on the strengths and limitations of the research are integrated within the paper, alongside areas for further research. The theoretical context and clinical implications of the research are considered.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:606967 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Duddridge, Clare Jane |
| Contributors | Pratt, Daniel |
| Publisher | University of Manchester |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/therapeutic-approaches-to-suicidal-phenomena-in-adolescence-a-systematic-review-of-mindfulnessbased-approaches-and-an-investigation-of-the-broad-minded-affective-coping-technique(0ea84794-a691-45f2-86c2-c0f7a629e31d).html |
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