New Suicide Prevention in Agriculture Research Project Launched

RSABI is working with the University of Glasgow on the PhD research project aimed at understanding and preventing suicide within Scotland’s farming and crofting communities.

The three-year project will be supervised by Professor Rory O’Connor, Director of the Universty’s Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab, who is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of suicide prevention.

RSABI and the University of Glasgow are inviting interest from prospective PhD researchers to undertake this vital work. The study will combine academic rigour with real-world impact, addressing the distinct challenges faced by people working in agriculture, a sector where stress, isolation, and poor access to healthcare contribute to significantly higher risks of mental ill-health and suicide.

The research will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature to explore the relationship between agricultural life and suicide risk.  In its second year, the project will conduct a national survey examining psychological and social factors affecting mental health in the farming community viewed through the Integrated Motivational-Volitional model of suicidal behavior, a model of suicide developed by Professor O’Connor.

The final phase will involve in-depth interviews with individuals from agricultural backgrounds who have experienced suicidal thoughts or who have been bereaved by suicide.

Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, said: “Tragically, suicide continues to be responsible for the loss of too many lives in the agricultural community. This research will play a vital role in deepening our understanding of the factors behind suicide in farming and help shape the most effective prevention strategies.”

Professor Rory O’Connor, former President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with RSABI on this important project. For far too long, suicide risk in agricultural communities has not received the attention that it so badly needs. Over the next 3 years, we hope to gain a better understanding of the specific factors associated with suicide risk, which will, in turn, inform suicide prevention efforts nationally and internationally.”

The findings of the study will directly inform RSABI’s suicide prevention activities and wider mental health support work, helping to deliver more tailored services, targeted campaigns, and innovative tools to support those at risk and those affected by suicide.

Applications are now being welcomed from individuals with a strong academic background in psychology, mental health, or related disciplines. Previous experience working in mental health-related research and/or practice as well as agricultural experience would be welcome. Those interested in applying or learning more about the project are encouraged to view details on: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/towards-an-enhanced-understanding-of-suicide-risk-among-those-from-agricultural-backgrounds/?p185354

RSABI is part of a community of organisations backing Scotland’s national suicide prevention campaign which highlights the need to normalise talking about suicide and give people the confidence to have a conversation that might just save someone’s life.

The launch of this study follows RSABI’s recent appointment of Josie Barclay in the charity’s newly created role of Suicide Prevention Lead with thanks to The Alistair and Margaret Miller Charitable Trust for the funding of this special role. In addition to overseeing the research project, the aim of Josie’s role is to maximise the opportunity for partnership working and collaboration with specialist organisations involved in suicide prevention, in line with the Scottish Government’s Prevention Strategy, Creating Hope Together.

Alongside the campaign, a website with a range of information, resources and a local services directory is available at suicideprevention.scot. This work is led by Suicide Prevention Scotland and RSABI is one of the community of organisations working to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

RSABI’s free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (Available 24/7)
• Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (Available Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am. At weekends, open between Friday 6pm and Monday 6am)
• NHS 24 mental health hub on: 111 (Available 24/7)

If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.