Research conducted at the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory is helping to understand the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours as well as reduce risk of suicidal behaviour in those who are vulnerable.
Much of the research conducted within the Lab is guided by Professor Rory O’Connor’s Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behaviour.
Recent research has included:
- Identifying factors associated with who will act on their thoughts of suicide
- Understanding suicide risk in men
- Determining whether it is feasible to embed safety planning into NHS Scotland for those who have attempted suicide
- Understanding suicide risk in those with ADHD
The findings of our research have informed clinical practice as well as public policy nationally and internationally.
For example, the IMV model is the guiding framework for Scotland’s 10-year suicide prevention strategy and action plan, and the Lab’s research is included in the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on assessing, managing and preventing the recurrence of self-harm.
The Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab has also played a leading role in developing Scotland’s national Distress Brief Intervention. More than 85,000 people in distress have been referred into the Distress Brief Intervention programme since its launch in 2017. Almost 70% of those referred into the programme are from the most disadvantaged parts of Scotland. The programme is now being extended to young people and is being tested in England and Australia.
First published: 4 April 2025
