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Intergenerational transmission of self-harm thoughts and behaviors
Safe People
Organisation name
University of Bristol
Organisation sector
Academic Institute
Applicant name(s)
Becky Mars
Dr Hannah Jones
Professor Stephan Collishaw
Professor Frances Rice
Safe Projects
Project ID
B3851
Lay summary
Research has consistently suggested that offspring of parents with self-harm thoughts and behaviors (STB) are at greater risk for STB themselves. For example, a recent meta-analysis concluded that family history of STB was moderately associated with both offspring suicidal ideation (OR 2.13) and attempts (OR 1.57). However, it is unclear how the risk of STB is transmitted from parent to child, and whether there are protective factors that may modify this association (e.g., peer/family support). Suicidal behavior is known to be heritable, and it is likely that intergenerational effects are driven by a combination of genetic and environmental pathways.
Public benefit statement
The findings will improve understanding of the mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of self-harm thoughts and behaviour and will help to inform preventative interventions
Latest approval date
24/08/2021