Connecting wounds: nonsuicidal self-injury in the context of social relations (360G-Wellcome-201617_Z_16_Z)

The project examines the topic of Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in social context, utilising sociological methods and perspectives. Our approach has the potential to further develop knowledge in this area, by providing insight into how social relationships shape, and are shaped by, the practices and experiences of NSSI/self-harm. Our vital innovation will be to research not only those who do or have self-injure/d, but also those who hold / have held close relationships with people who self-injure/d. Investigating these two complementary viewpoints on NSSI will allow us to better understand the interaction between the practice and the relationships that it a/effects. We aim to conduct a one year pilot study, which will provide three key elements needed to build our larger research programme: (1) proof of concept regarding the contribution that sociological perspectives on relationships and social interactions can make to understanding NSSI, published in a position piece in a key sociology of health and illness journal (e.g. Social Science and Medicine or Sociology of Health and Illness); (2) refinement of our proposed methods for data collection and analysis in this sensitive area; (3) pilot data to inform applications for further funding, and ultimately develop a full research programme.