Theme: Implementation

Project Description

Self-harm is a major concern in adolescent mental health, associated with substantial distress and increased risk of suicide. Yet young people who self-harm are not a homogeneous group. They differ in when self-harm begins, their motivations and psychological characteristics, their social experiences, and whether and how they seek help. Understanding these differences is critical if we are to develop interventions that respond to young people’s needs rather than treating self-harm as a single problem.

This PhD will use data from the OxWell Student Survey, one of the largest school-based mental health surveys in England, to investigate how developmental, psychological and social factors shape adolescent self-harm and access to support. With approximately 35,000 students participating in 2025 and a further survey planned for 2027, OxWell provides an exceptional opportunity to study young people who may never present to clinical services, including groups often under-represented in research.

The project will examine differences in age of onset, suicidal intent, severity, emotion regulation, mental health and social experiences, including bullying and neurodivergence. It will then explore how these characteristics relate to help-seeking, unmet need and preferences for support from friends, families, schools, community organisations and health services.

Importantly, the research will move beyond identifying risk towards understanding what might help. Quantitative findings will inform qualitative research with young people, families and professionals to explore where earlier, more acceptable and developmentally appropriate support could be provided.

Working closely with young people and relevant stakeholders throughout, the project aims to generate evidence that can inform the design of more responsive interventions and mental health services, helping ensure that young people who self-harm can access support that better meets their needs.