Title | Probation staff experiences of managing suicidal and self-harming service users |
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Type | Journal article |
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Authors | Mackenzie, J.-M., Cartwright, T., Beck, A. and Borrill, J. |
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Abstract | The current study sought to explore the impact of suicidal behaviours on probation staff, in relation to their experiences of working with Probation service users who have carried out suicide, attempted suicide or self-harm. Thirteen in-depth interviews were carried out with probation staff who had direct contact with Probation service users in one Probation area, and had varying degrees of experience of managing suicidal or self-injurious service users. These were analysed using Thematic Analysis and five themes were identified. Findings indicate that staff felt that suicide and self-harm by service users are serious issues which need to be recognised and dealt with in an effective yet compassionate manner. However not attending the Suicide Prevention Training or lack of experience was perceived as restricting their ability to know how to deal with these individuals, and offer support. Furthermore, staff were emotionally affected by these incidents and it is recommend that they should continue to be provided with access to appropriate support services after an incident. |
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Keywords | probation staff, self-harm, suicide, thematic anlysis |
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Journal | Probation Journal |
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Journal citation | 62 (2), pp. 111-127 |
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ISSN | 0264-5505 |
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Year | 2015 |
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Publisher | Sage |
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Accepted author manuscript | |
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Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/0264550515571396 |
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Publication dates |
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Published | Jun 2015 |
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Published online | 23 Mar 2015 |
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Funder | .Other external funder (add details in Notes below) |
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