Jude Smit Research Seminar - What can we learn from Further and Higher Education students’ lived experiences of attempted suicide? Friday 4th February 2022, 1-2pm

Jude Smit Research Seminar - What can we learn from Further and Higher Education students’ lived experiences of attempted suicide?

 

Psychology Dept. Reserach Seminar.  Friday 4th February 2022, 1-2pm 

Jude Smit, Middlesex University

 

What can we learn from Further and Higher Education students’ lived experiences of attempted suicide?

 

*** Everyone welcome.  No need to book in advance ***

Speaker: Jude Smit, Middlesex University

Date:  Friday 4th February 2022

Time:  1-2pm

Location:

https://mdx-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/97546143116?pwd=b2dORmdCUEc2c3F3UlJqcTBvMjhoZz09

 

Abstract:

This seminar will discuss the mixed methodology and emerging findings from a UK-based research study into what we can learn from Further and Higher Education students’ lived experiences of attempted suicide.  It will highlight qualitative research design across a series of sub-studies and demonstrate how using arts-based methods helps us gain insights that words alone may not convey or facilitate.  The presentation will consider how we can use innovative research methods to challenge perceptions and stigma, break down barriers and share insights into the impact on a person’s sense of self, sense of others and ways of being in the world, as well as reflecting on gaps in service provision and research.  This will be contextualised by a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) of literature, which identifies the need for further qualitative research into student suicidality.  Findings from a national student survey, with 171 responses, 21 qualitative semi-structured interviews, which include a section on the impact of Covid-19, and arts-based responses will be discussed.  Although each person's lived experience is unique, the findings of this study identify some of the challenges for young adults, the impact of and on their experiences in Further and Higher Education, potential ways that they can support themselves and ways that others can provide meaningful support.  These research findings have the potential to provide valuable insights that can contribute to society’s understanding on a human and individual level and by using visual methods, generate new insights in relation to this under-explored area.

 

About the speaker:

In addition to part-time PhD research at Middlesex University under the supervision of Lisa Marzano and Erminia Colucci, Jude divides her time between roles as Mental Health Advisor/Specialist Assessor in Further/Higher Education, Deputy Director for an MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy and working as a Psychotherapist/Integrative Arts Psychotherapist.  She has carried out action research with colleges and universities in the past and has more recently completed a two-year research project in a large NHS trust, leading to change in service provision.  Her PhD research is in response to 17 years of working with young adults presenting with suicidal ideation and attempts.  She is in the fourth year of her PhD.