West, Georgia
(2025)
Beyond bars: examining suicide risk amongst people on probation.
DForenPsy thesis, University of Nottingham.
Abstract
Objective: The thesis broadly explores suicide risk in the probation population, with a predominant focus on risk factors, preventative intervention and risk assessment.
Methods: The thesis includes a systematic review regarding risk factors for suicide amongst individuals on probation (Chapter Two), empirical research paper discerning differences between individuals on probation who experience suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and no history of suicidal thoughts or behaviour (Chapter Three), a single case study of a male on probation who demonstrated a historical suicide attempt and experienced suicidal ideation at the time of intervention (Chapter Four), and critique of the Depression, Hopelessness and Suicide (DHS) Screening Form.
Results: Chapter Two presents 10 references that were systematically identified, of which highlights the scarcity of research regarding suicide risk factors for the probation population. Chapter Three attempts to expand on existing literature and presents sociodemographic, criminogenic and clinical differences between men on probation who have; attempted suicide, experienced solely suicidal ideation and have not experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Findings also present a tool that is comprised of routinely assessed risk factors within the probation setting to identify vulnerabilities to suicidality and indicate individuals who may require a suicide assessment. Chapter Four proposes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT; Beck & Beck, 2020) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT; Linehan, 2014) could be considered in reducing the presence of suicidal ideation amongst the probation population and findings add further validity to the tool developed from the primary research paper, of which identified vulnerabilities to suicidality. Chapter Five indicated psychometric properties of the DHS are satisfactory when utilised with forensic populations. Although, the DHS should be utilised with caution in light of outlined limitations that must be addressed in practice.
Conclusion: Clinical risk factors are critical when assessing and managing suicide risk in probation populations. However, additional risk factors that can mediate suicide risk outcomes should also be considered. However, probation do not have surplus resources to manage these problems. Therefore, responsibility must be shared with probation, prison and community services to provide integrated, quality resettlement support and care for those on probation. The thesis supports the use of risk factors in identifying vulnerabilities for suicidality, and indicates that when risk factors are more prevalent ideation may transcend into attempt. However, as Chapter Three is retrospective in nature, the validity of the tool should be treated with caution and used in conjunction with clinical judgement when assessing suicide risk. Finally, each case should be formulated individually with support from psychology professionals to identify suitable intervention, and observational and collateral information should be utilised in addition to screening tools for risk assessment.
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