Differences Between Controls, Ideators, and Enactors of Self-Harm in a Sample of Transferred Prisoners Through the Lens of the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model
Self-harm is a significant and common issue in prisoners, yet very limited research has been conducted on this important topic. This thesis therefore aimed to increase our understanding of self-harm in prisoners. Part One is a conceptual review that critically and comprehensively reviews and synthesises the literature on self-harm and suicide. Specifically, the review addresses the current terminology/definition debate, evaluates the research on risk factors, and synthesises the most prominent theories/models as well as the current state of self-harm and suicide research in the general population. The review identifies several critical research gaps, the main one being the crucial need to test and apply comprehensive as well as integrative self-harm/suicide theoretical models on different populations. Part Two is an empirical paper that attempts to address the above critical research gap by testing the applicability of a comprehensive theoretical model of self-harm (Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model), originally developed for the general population, on a sample of male transferred prisoners. Specifically, this cross-sectional study aimed to examine how controls, ideators of self-harm, and enactors of self-harm differed on the IMV model’s factors (perceived entrapment, brooding rumination, social support, impulsivity, fearlessness about death, discomfort intolerance), depression, hopelessness, and a new protective factor of resilience. The results of this study provided partial support for the IMV Model. This was a joint project that was conducted with another UCL D.Clin.Psy trainee. Part Three is a critical appraisal of the entire research process. Topics discussed include: reflections on conceptual issues that arose during the research, challenges of conducting research in a prison, and ideas for future research
