Overview and aims:
Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), also known as Experience Sampling, is a method for collecting data as individuals go about their daily lives. It involves repeated and frequent assessment of feelings and behaviour in an individual’s natural environment. This allows researchers to see what is actually happening in each moment, rather than relying on people’s memories (which are not always accurate). Because the surveys are collected at frequent intervals, EMA enables us to get a better understanding of how self-harm thoughts and behaviours (SHTB) change over short periods of time (hours/days) as opposed to traditional assessments, which typically ask about lifetime, or past year behaviours.
The overall aim of this study is to identify factors that predict short-term changes in SHTB. The factors we are interested in are informed by the Integrated Motivational-Volitional model of suicidal behaviour – one of the leading psychological theories in the field.
Sample:
The participants in this study are young adults aged 18-25 years with a history of SHTB in the past 6 months. We are currently recruiting so if you are interested in taking part in the study or would like more information then please click the following link: A smartphone study of self-harm – Bristol Suicide and Self-harm Research Group .
Methods:
Participants are prompted to complete a short survey about their feelings and behaviour multiple times throughout the day, for a period of two weeks. They complete these surveys using their Smartphone. Each survey includes some simple questions about SHTB, as well as possible predictors such as positive and negative affect, defeat, entrapment, rumination, burdensomeness, and belongingness. Participants also wear a wearable device throughout the two-week period to collect information about physiological factors such as sleep, heartrate and activity levels.
Project team:
- University of Bristol, UK: Becky Mars (PI); Lizzy Winstone; Jon Heron; Paul Moran
- University of Glasgow, UK: Rory O’Connor
- Ku Leuven, Belgium: Olivia Kirtley
- Swansea University: Ann John
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA: Jennifer Muehlenkamp
Funders/Supporters
This study is funded by the Medical Research Foundation
Publications and other outputs:
This study does not currently have any related publications or outputs. We hope to add some soon
Contact for further details: Becky.mars@bristol.ac.uk