Addressing suicidality and self-harm after acquired brain injury: Co-developing support resources

People with acquired brain injury (ABI), such as from traumatic brain injury or stroke, are at 2 to 4 times higher risk of attempting and dying by suicide compared to the general population. While non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) often co-occurs with suicidality in non-ABI populations, no research to date has explored NSSI in individuals with ABI, leaving a major gap in understanding and clinical practice. This innovative and fully funded project aims to co-develop practical resources (e.g., training, psychoeducational content) to support clinicians, families, and individuals with ABI in assessing and responding to suicidality and NSSI. It will use a multi-method approach—scoping surveys, qualitative interviews, and co-design sessions—involving ABI clinical scientists, suicide prevention experts, and people with lived experience. Funded by a School of Psychological Sciences Strategic Grant and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, this project offers the chance to contribute to world-first research with strong academic, clinical, and lived experience partnerships. The project is suitable for a Masters (Clin Psych) or PhD student (Straight Research / Clin Psych / Clin Neuro).