Factors influencing decisions around suicide methods and locations

Choice of suicide method(s) and location can strongly influence the outcome of an attempt, and methods used at an index episode of non-fatal self-harm may predict risk of future suicide. However, the reasons why individuals consider, choose or discard particular methods and locations are not well understood. Drawing on a recent research project, in this talk I will discuss the decision-making process around specific methods and locations, and clusters thereof, in relation to both suicidal thoughts and attempts. As well as highlighting some of the challenges and the potential for interdisciplinary methodological innovation in this area of research, I aim to illustrate how this work can find practical application in clinical contexts and inform wider preventative initiatives.