The Qualitative Exploration of Experiences of Suicide Attempts and the Nature of Memories of Attempts

Richards, Nicola and Kelly, James (2026) The Qualitative Exploration of Experiences of Suicide Attempts and the Nature of Memories of Attempts. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the individuals experience of a suicide attempt, containing four sections: a literature review, research paper, critical appraisal and ethics section. In Section One, the literature review presents a meta-ethnography to increase our understanding of how individuals experience both in the moment of and post-attempt. A systematic search of five databases was conducted which identified 36 papers that met inclusion criteria. The meta-synthesis resulted in four key themes: (1) ordering chaos, (2) more pain than before, (3) the need to try and stay alive, and (4) the need for meaningful relationships. These findings highlight a challenging process a person goes through following a suicide attempt. Clinical implications include suicide awareness training for care staff to reduce stigma. In Section Two, empirical research is presented which aimed to explore the nature of momentary memories of suicide attempts in men in mid-life, with a focus on if they are experienced as traumatic and how that may impact future risk. Four men (40-64 years) participated and underwent a two-week daily diary period followed by individual semi structured interviews. Interview data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis which generated four themes: (1) memories forcing entry and being pushed back; (2) vivid nowness: like the back of my hand; (3) guilt and conflict resurface; and (4) recognising a positive change in mindset. Findings convey that memories can be experienced as traumatic and result in associated difficult emotions. Yet memories can also evoke helpful reflection on progress since the attempt. Implications include utilising psychological interventions to support people to accept memories, implement grounding techniques and increase coping. In Section Three, a critical appraisal summarises key findings across the systematic literature review and the empirical paper as well as highlighting key reflections that can inform future research with this population.