Self-management interventions for people who present at risk of harm of self-harm and suicide in acute crisis mental health settings: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
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Authors
Newlove, Liberty
Gant, Thomas
Rowe, Sarah
Wood, Lisa
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Issue Date
11/10/2025
Type
Journal article
Language
Keywords
Mental Health
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background
Self-management interventions could potentially benefit individuals in acute mental health crises experiencing self-harm and suicidality, yet no reviews have been conducted to date. The aim of this systematic review was to examine self-management interventions for patients experiencing self-harm and suicidality in acute crisis mental health settings.
Method
Five databases were searched, and quantitative, English-language studies were included if they examined self-management interventions for adults under acute crisis mental health services who are currently experiencing self-harm and/or suicidality. Risk of bias was assessed using established tools, and a narrative synthesis was conducted.
Results
Seven papers were included in the review, all of which had a high risk of bias. The most utilised self-management strategies were coping skills, followed by recognising early warning signs of relapse, with psychoeducation being the least implemented. The efficacy of these interventions varied across studies in terms of reducing self-harm and suicidality. However, studies that implemented comprehensive, recovery-focused self-management approaches generally reported more positive outcomes in managing self-harm and suicidal intent.
Conclusions
This review found mixed results but with some evidence suggesting that recovery-focused self-management interventions can reduce self-harm and suicidality. However, further high-quality, large-scale research is required.
Description
Citation
Psychiatry Research,
Volume 353,
2025,
116771,
ISSN 0165-1781,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116771.
Publisher
License
Journal
Psychiatry Research
Volume
353