Co-Designing Experience Sampling Research with Young People who Self-Harm

Abstract

Self-harm is particularly prevalent among young people with prevalence rates being estimated between 12-31% in Western countries. However, self-harm remains difficult to predict and prevent, with research into the condition often hindered by methodological limitations, including poor ecological validity and recall bias. The experience sampling method (ESM) involves the repeated collection of data from participants as they go about their daily lives and may help to overcome such limitations. This thesis conducted an in-depth exploration into the acceptability of using ESM to explore self-harm among young people, as well as how ESM research in this area should be designed and conducted. To understand how ESM research exploring self-harm among young people should be designed, and the impact of these design choices upon research outcomes, this thesis has systematically reviewed the relevant literature. This highlighted that although conducting ESM in this area appears acceptable and feasible, progress is hindered by inconsistencies in reporting practices. The perspectives of young people with lived experience of self-harm are then explored through a series of co-design workshops which aimed to identify their requirements regarding the design of ESM research and a digital ESM platform. Co-design workshops were also conducted with researchers with an interest in ESM. From these requirements a novel ESM platform, Mesmerise, was developed and then evaluated. The experiences of young people with lived experience of self-harm when participating in ESM with this platform were then explored in a 14-day study and subsequent interviews. Overall, this thesis identifies the importance of actively collaborating with people with lived experience throughout the research process and the value of giving study participants some choice in the schedule and frequency at which they receive ESM prompts. Furthermore, the thesis provides recommendations for future ESM research with young people with lived experience of self-harm.

Date of Award	4 Feb 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Jon Bird (Supervisor) & Helen E Bould (Supervisor)