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Professor Emerita Christabel Owens

Overview

As of 1st September 2020 I have retired from the University of Exeter but I remain available for external examining and advisory roles. I can still be contacted at my university email address.

Christabel is a social scientist who has been working in the field of mental health and illness since 1997. Until recently, she led a programme of applied mental health research with a particular focus on suicide and self-harming behaviour, particularly among people who are not in contact with mental health services, and specialising in qualitative and participatory research methods. Her work has been funded by the Medical Research Council, the Department of Health, the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE), the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and numerous charities.

Research Specialisms

• Prevention of suicide in non-clinical populations and settings
• Communication about suicide and risk within domestic and social settings
• Development of interventions to support people who self-harm, and methods for measuring outcomes
• Qualitative and participatory research methods
• Public engagement in research

Qualifications

1988   PhD, University of Lancaster
1979   MA, with Distinction, University of Lancaster
1977   BEd, 1st Class Honours, University of Nottingham

Research group links

Research

Research interests

Drawing on my background in the social sciences and philosophy, I work outside the dominant medico-psychiatric paradigm and try to understand suicide from the point of view of family members and friends who are caught up in the process.

Most research in the field of suicide has focused on the role of health professionals in identifying and managing risk, but a high proportion of those who take their own lives are non-users of clinical services. In these cases, the burden of care lies entirely with relatives and friends. We know very little about the part they can play in suicide prevention or the resources they need in order to do so.

My work focuses on this neglected area and aims to strengthen the capacity of lay people (as opposed to health professionals) to recognise and respond effectively to someone who is experiencing a suicidal crisis. This research is highlighted in the national suicide prevention strategy (Preventing Suicide in England: a cross-government outcomes strategy to save lives. DoH, 2012) and has been used to inform public education initiatives on both sides of the Atlantic.

I am also well known for my work on the prevention of suicides in public places. I wrote the first ever national Guidance on action to be taken at suicide hotspots, published in 2006 by the Department of Health, to help local authorities identify and manage locations, such as bridges, cliffs and other sites, that offer means or opportunity for suicide. Being the first guidance on this topic anywhere in the world, this aroused considerable international interest. It was translated into Japanese in 2007, was adapted for use in Scotland and Australia and has been cited in support of capital projects to improve safety at several iconic locations worldwide. In 2014 I was commissioned by Public Health England to update it and the fully revised guidance, Preventing Suicides in Public Places: A Practice Resource, was published in December 2015. I am regularly contacted by agencies from around the world for advice on the identification and management of sites that are associated with suicide.

Other work has included a number of innovative projects to support self-management of self-harm, and studies examining the mental health needs of offenders.

Research projects

Public Health England. Supporting local authorities to develop high quality suicide prevention plans.
Medical Research Council. Public Involvement in suicide prevention II: The Stranger on the Bridge. http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/research/healthresearch/mentalhealth/projects/strangeronthebridge/
Wellcome Trust. Exploring diagnosis: Autism and the neurodiversity movement.
NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Health Research. Developing and evaluating a collaborative care intervention for prisoners with common mental health problems, pre- and post-release from prison (ENGAGER II).
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Improving depression treatment outcomes by better repairing positivity deficits: Development and pilot randomised controlled trial of a novel psychological therapy (ADepT).
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The clinical and cost effectiveness of adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for Bipolar Mood Instability in primary care (ThrIVe-B programme): A feasibility study.

Recently completed projects

Wellcome Trust. Suicide and stigma in an indigenous ethnic minority: Engaging with Irish Travellers through the ‘Lived Lives’ visual arts autopsy. http://www.paveepoint.ie/lived-lives-a-pavee-perspective/
Public Health England. Development of new national guidance on the prevention of suicides in public places. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/suicide-prevention-suicides-in-public-places
NIHR South-West Peninsula Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (PenCLAHRC). Acknowledging and responding to early signs of dementia in the family and social network.
James Wentworth Stanley Memorial Fund, the Horne Family Foundation and Devon County Council. 'It's safe to talk about suicide': Development and evaluation of a public education resource for community-level prevention of suicide.
Medical Research Council. Public Involvement in Suicide Prevention: Understanding and strengthening lay responses to distress.

Publications

Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year

Key publications

Owens CV, Carter M, Shenton D, Byng R, Quinn C (In Press). Engaging Without Exposing: Use of a Fictional Character to Facilitate Mental Health Talk in Focus Groups with Men Who Have Been Subject to the Criminal Justice System. Qualitative Health Research Full text.

Owens C, Fox F, Redwood S, Davies R, Foote L, Salisbury N, Williams S, Biddle L, Thomas K (2020). Measuring outcomes in trials of interventions for people who self-harm: qualitative study of service users' views. BJPsych Open, 6(2). Abstract. Full text.

Owens C, Derges J, Abraham C (2019). Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people. BMJ Open, 9(11), e032319-e032319.

ObjectivesMany suicides take place in public locations, usually involving jumping from high places or use of transport networks. Previous research has largely focused on the effectiveness of physical barriers at frequently used locations. There have been no studies of human intervention to prevent suicides in public places. The aim of this study was to identify the core components of an effective intervention by a member of the public.Design and methodsWe conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with people who have either been prevented by a stranger from taking their own life in a public location (n=12) or intervened to prevent a stranger from taking their own life in a public location (n=21). Collectively, the two groups narrated 50 incidents of suicide rescue. We analysed interview transcripts using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsSuicidal people typically displayed no visible distress, describing themselves as being dissociated or ‘in a bubble’. Intervention was seen to involve three main tasks: ‘bursting the bubble’ (reconnecting with self, others and everyday world); moving to a safer location, and summoning help. We show how interveners accomplished these tasks in a range of ways, using both verbal and non-verbal communication and different degrees of restraint.ConclusionsThis is the first empirical study to examine the role of passing strangers in preventing suicides in public places. It shows that no specialist skills are needed. Interveners were ordinary people, distinguished only by a high level of social awareness, combined with a readiness for social action. The findings also suggest that people do not need a script and should not be afraid of saying ‘the wrong thing.’ What interveners said was much less important than how they made the suicidal person feel, namely safe, connected and validated (‘I matter’). Interveners did this simply by being themselves, responding with authenticity, calmness and compassion. Members of the public need to be encouraged to recognise and reach out to those who may be at risk of suicide in public locations, but should be prepared for a prolonged and intense encounter that may leave them with troubling emotions.

Abstract. Full text.

Owens C, Charles N (2017). Development and evaluation of a leaflet for concerned family members and friends: 'It's safe to talk about suicide'. Health Education Journal, 76(5), 582-594. Abstract. Full text.

Owens C, Hansford L, Sharkey S, Ford T (2016). Needs and fears of young people presenting at accident and emergency department following an act of self-harm: secondary analysis of qualitative data. Br J Psychiatry, 208(3), 286-291. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Owens CV, Hardwick RJL, Charles NT, Watkinson G (2015). Preventing suicides in public places: a practice resource. London, Department of Health. Full text.

Publications by category

Books

Owens CV, Hardwick RJL, Charles NT, Watkinson G (2015). Preventing suicides in public places: a practice resource. London, Department of Health. Full text.

Journal articles

Dunn BD, Widnall E, Reed N, Owens C, Campbell J, Kuyken W (2019). Bringing light into darkness: a multiple baseline mixed methods case series evaluation of Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT). Behaviour Research and Therapy, 120, 103418-103418. Full text.

Brand SL, Quinn C, Pearson M, Lennox C, Owens C, Kirkpatrick T, Callaghan L, Stirzaker A, Michie S, Maguire M, et al (2019). Building programme theory to develop more adaptable and scalable complex interventions: Realist formative process evaluation prior to full trial. Evaluation, 25(2), 149-170. Abstract.

Dunn BD, Widnall E, Reed N, Taylor R, Owens C, Spencer A, Kraag G, Kok G, Geschwind N, Wright K, et al (2019). Evaluating Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT): Study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 27, 63-63. Full text.

Owens C, Derges J, Abraham C (2019). Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people. BMJ Open, 9(11), e032319-e032319.

Abstract. Full text.

Russell G, Kapp SK, Elliott D, Elphick CM, Gwernan-Jones RC, Owens C (2019). Mapping the autistic advantage from the accounts of adults diagnosed with autism:. A qualitative study. Autism in Adulthood, 1.2 Full text.

Kirkpatrick T, Lennox C, Taylor R, Anderson R, Maguire M, Haddad M, Michie S, Owens C, Durcan G, Stirzaker A, et al (2018). Evaluation of a complex intervention (Engager) for prisoners with common mental health problems, near to and after release: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 8(2).

INTRODUCTION: the 'Engager' programme is a 'through-the-gate' intervention designed to support prisoners with common mental health problems as they transition from prison back into the community. The trial will evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the Engager intervention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: the study is a parallel two-group randomised controlled trial with 1:1 individual allocation to either: (a) the Engager intervention plus standard care (intervention group) or (b) standard care alone (control group) across two investigation centres (South West and North West of England). Two hundred and eighty prisoners meeting eligibility criteria will take part. Engager is a person-centred complex intervention delivered by practitioners and aimed at addressing offenders' mental health and social care needs. It comprises one-to-one support for participants prior to release from prison and for up to 20 weeks postrelease. The primary outcome is change in psychological distress measured by the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure at 6 months postrelease. Secondary outcomes include: assessment of subjective met/unmet need, drug and alcohol use, health-related quality of life and well-being-related quality of life measured at 3, 6 and 12 months postrelease; change in objective social domains, drug and alcohol dependence, service utilisation and perceived helpfulness of services and change in psychological constructs related to desistence at 6 and 12 months postrelease; and recidivism at 12 months postrelease. A process evaluation will assess fidelity of intervention delivery, test hypothesised mechanisms of action and look for unintended consequences. An economic evaluation will estimate the cost-effectiveness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Wales Research Ethics Committee 3 (ref: 15/WA/0314) and the National Offender Management Service (ref: 2015-283). Findings will be disseminated to commissioners, clinicians and service users via papers and presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN11707331; Pre-results.

Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Quinn C, Denman K, Smithson P, Owens C, Sheaff R, Campbell J, Porter I, Annison J, Byng R (2018). General practitioner contributions to achieving sustained healthcare for offenders: a qualitative study. BMC Fam Pract, 19(1).

BACKGROUND: Offenders frequently have substantial healthcare needs and, like many other socially marginalised groups, often receive healthcare in inverse proportion to their needs. Improved continuity of healthcare over time could contribute to addressing these needs. General Practitioners need to be able to support people with complex social and medical problems, even in systems that are not specifically designed to manage individuals with such degrees of complexity. We aimed to examine offenders' perspectives on factors that contributed to, or worked against, creating and sustaining their access to healthcare. METHODS: from a sample of 200 participants serving community or prison sentences in South West (SW) and South East (SE) England, who were interviewed about their health care experiences as part of the Care for Offenders: Continuity of Access (COCOA) study, we purposively sampled 22 participants for this sub-study, based on service use. These interviews were transcribed verbatim. A thematic analytic approach initially applied 5 a priori codes based on access and different components of continuity. Data were then examined for factors that contributed to achieving and disrupting access and continuity. RESULTS: Participants described how their own life situations and behaviours contributed to their problems in accessing healthcare and also identified barriers created by existing access arrangements. They also highlighted how some General Practitioners used their initiative and skills to 'workaround' the system, and build positive relationships with them; feeling listened to and building trust were particularly valued, as was clear communication. Limitations faced by General Practitioners included a lack of appropriate services to refer people to, where the offender patients would meet the access criteria, and disagreements regarding medication prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: General Practitioners can make a positive contribution to supporting access to healthcare for an under-served population by facilitating more flexible and less formal access arrangements, by using their relationship skills, and by problem-solving. General Practitioners should recognise their potential to transform people's experience of healthcare whilst working in imperfect systems, particularly with vulnerable and marginalised groups who have complex medical and social needs.

Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Perry-Young L, Owen G, Kelly S, Owens C (2018). How people come to recognise a problem and seek medical help for a person showing early signs of dementia: a systematic review and meta-ethnography. Dementia (London), 17(1), 34-60. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Wright K, Dodd A, Warren FC, Medina-Lara A, Taylor R, Jones S, Owens C, Javaid M, Dunn B, Harvey JE, et al (2018). The clinical and cost effectiveness of adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for bipolar mood instability in primary care (ThrIVe-B programme): a feasibility study. Trials, 19(1). Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Malone KM, McGuinness SG, Cleary E, Jefferies J, Owens C, Kelleher CC (2017). Lived Lives: a Pavee Perspective. An arts-science community intervention around suicide in an indigenous ethnic minority. Wellcome Open Research, 2, 27-27.

Background: Suicide is a significant public health concern, which impacts on health outcomes. Few suicide research studies have been interdisciplinary. We combined a psychobiographical autopsy with a visual arts autopsy, in which families donated stories, images and objects associated with the lived life of a loved one lost to suicide. From this interdisciplinary research platform, a mediated exhibition was created (Lived Lives) with artist, scientist and families, co-curated by communities, facilitating dialogue, response and public action around suicide prevention. Indigenous ethnic minorities (IEMs) bear a significant increased risk for suicide. Irish Travellers are an IEM with social and cultural parallels with IEMs internationally, experiencing racism, discrimination, and poor health outcomes including elevated suicide rates (SMR 6.6). Methods: an adjusted Lived Lives exhibition, Lived Lives: a Pavee Perspective manifested in Pavee Point, the national Traveller and Roma Centre. The project was evaluated by the Travelling Community as to how it related to suicide in their community, how it has shaped their understanding of suicide and its impacts, and its relevance to other socio-cultural contexts, nationally and internationally. The project also obtained feedback from all relevant stakeholders. Evaluation was carried out by an international visual arts research advisor and an independent observer from the field of suicide research. Results: Outputs included an arts-science mediated exhibition with reference to elevated Irish Traveller suicide rates. Digital online learning materials about suicide and its aftermath among Irish Travellers were also produced. The project reached its target audience, with a high level of engagement from members of the Travelling Community. Discussion: the Lived Lives methodology navigated the societal barriers of stigma and silence to foster communication and engagement, working with cultural values, consistent with an adapted intervention. Feedback from this project can inform awareness, health promotion, education and interventions around suicide and its aftermath in IEMs.

Abstract. Full text.

Owens C (2016). "Hotspots" and "copycats": a plea for more thoughtful language about suicide. Lancet Psychiatry, 3(1), 19-20. Author URL. Full text.

Owens C, Charles N (2016). Implementation of a text-messaging intervention for adolescents who self-harm (TeenTEXT): a feasibility study using normalisation process theory. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health, 10 Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Owens C, Sharkey S, Smithson J, Hewis E, Emmens T, Ford T, Jones R (2015). Building an online community to promote communication and collaborative learning between health professionals and young people who self-harm: an exploratory study. Health Expect, 18(1), 81-94. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Sweeney L, Owens C, Malone K (2015). Communication and interpretation of emotional distress within the friendships of young Irish men prior to suicide: a qualitative study. Health Soc Care Community, 23(2), 150-158. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Byng R, Howerton A, Owens CV, Campbell J (2015). Pathways to suicide attempts among male offenders: the role of agency. Sociol Health Illn, 37(6), 936-951. Abstract. Author URL.

Owens C, Roberts S, Taylor J (2014). Utility of local suicide data for informing local and national suicide prevention strategies. Public Health, 128(5), 424-429. Abstract. Author URL.

Cox GR, Owens C, Robinson J, Nicholas A, Lockley A, Williamson M, Cheung YTD, Pirkis J (2013). Interventions to reduce suicides at suicide hotspots: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 13 Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Owens C, Lambert H (2012). Mad, bad or heroic? Gender, identity and accountability in lay portrayals of suicide in late twentieth-century England. Cult Med Psychiatry, 36(2), 348-371. Abstract. Author URL.

Mcloughlin AB, Malone KM, Owens C, Kelleher C (2012). SUICIDE IN THE CHILDREN OF IRELAND FROM 2003-2008: a MIXED METHOD STUDY. IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, 181, S446-S446. Author URL.

Owen G, Belam J, Lambert H, Donovan J, Rapport F, Owens C (2012). Suicide communication events: lay interpretation of the communication of suicidal ideation and intent. Soc Sci Med, 75(2), 419-428. Abstract. Author URL.

Sharkey S, Smithson J, Hewis E, Jones R, Emmens T, Ford T, Owens C (2012). Supportive interchanges and face-work as 'protective talk' in an online self-harm support forum. Communication and Medicine, 9(1), 71-82. Abstract.

Sharkey S, Jones R, Smithson J, Hewis E, Emmens T, Ford T, Owens C (2011). Ethical practice in internet research involving vulnerable people: lessons from a self-harm discussion forum study (SharpTalk). J Med Ethics, 37(12), 752-758. Abstract. Author URL.

Smithson J, Sharkey S, Hewis E, Jones RB, Emmens T, Ford T, Owens C (2011). Membership and boundary maintenance on an online self-harm forum. Qual Health Res, 21(11), 1567-1575. Abstract. Author URL.

Jones R, Sharkey S, Ford T, Emmens T, Hewis E, Smithson J, Sheaves B, Owens C (2011). Online discussion forums for young people who self-harm: User views. Psychiatrist, 35(10), 364-368. Abstract.

Smithson J, Sharkey S, Hewis E, Jones R, Emmens T, Ford T, Owens C (2011). Problem presentation and responses on an online forum for young people who self-harm. DISCOURSE STUDIES, 13(4), 487-501. Author URL.

Owens C, Owen G, Belam J, Lloyd K, Rapport F, Donovan J, Lambert H (2011). Recognising and responding to suicidal crisis within family and social networks: qualitative study. BMJ, 343 Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Jones R, Sharkey S, Smithson J, Ford T, Emmens T, Hewis E, Sheaves B, Owens C (2011). Using Metrics to Describe the Participative Stances of Members Within Discussion Forums. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH, 13(1), 212-226. Author URL.

Owens C (2010). Interventions for self-harm: Are we measuring outcomes in the most appropriate way?. British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(6), 502-503.

Owens C, Farrand P, Emmens T, Darvill R, Hewis E, Aitken P (2010). Involving service users in intervention design: a participatory approach to developing a text-messaging intervention to reduce repetition of self-harm. Health Expectations, 14, 285-295.

Owens C, Owen G, Lambert H, Donovan J, Belam J, Rapport F, Lloyd K (2009). Public involvement in suicide prevention: understanding and strengthening lay responses to distress. BMC Public Health, 9

BACKGROUND: the slogan "Suicide prevention is everyone's business" has been used in a number of campaigns worldwide in recent years, but most research into suicide prevention has focused on the role of medical professionals in identifying and managing risk. Little consideration has been given to the role that lay people can play in suicide prevention, or to the resources they need in order to do so.The majority of people who take their own lives are not under the care of specialist mental health services, and around half have not had recent contact with their general practitioner. These individuals are not known to be 'at risk' and there is little or no opportunity for clinical intervention. Family members and friends may be the only ones to know that a person is troubled or distressed, and their capacity to recognise, assess and respond to that distress is therefore vitally important. This study aims to discover what the suicidal process looks like from the point of view of relatives and friends and to gain insight into the complex and difficult judgements that people have to make when trying to support a distressed individual. METHODS/DESIGN: the study uses qualitative methods to build up a detailed picture of 15-20 completed suicides, aged 18-34. Data are gathered by means of in-depth interviews with relatives, friends and others who knew the deceased well. In each case, as many informants as possible are sought using a purposive snowballing technique. Interviews focus on the family and social network of the deceased, the ways in which relatives and friends interpreted and responded to his/her distress, the potential for intervention that may have existed within the lay network and the knowledge, skills and other resources that would have helped members to support the distressed individual more effectively. DISCUSSION: the study will inform interventions to promote public mental health awareness and will provide a basis on which to develop community-focussed suicide prevention strategies.

Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Owens C, Lloyd-Tomlins S, Emmens T, Aitken P (2009). Suicides in public places: findings from one English county. Eur J Public Health, 19(6), 580-582. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Owens C, Ley A, Aitken P (2008). Do different stakeholder groups share mental health research priorities? a four-arm Delphi study. Health Expect, 11(4), 418-431. Abstract. Author URL.

Owens C, Lambert H, Lloyd K, Donovan J (2008). Tales of biographical disintegration: how parents make sense of their sons' suicides. Sociol Health Illn, 30(2), 237-254. Abstract. Author URL.

Howerton A, Byng R, Campbell J, Hess D, Owens C, Aitken P (2007). Understanding help seeking behaviour among male offenders: qualitative interview study. BMJ, 334(7588).

OBJECTIVE: to explore the factors that influence help seeking for mental distress by offenders. DESIGN: Qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with prisoners before and after release. SETTING: One category B local prison in southern England. PARTICIPANTS: 35 male offenders aged 18-52, a quarter of whom had been flagged as being at risk of self harm. RESULTS: Most respondents reported that they would not seek help from a general practitioner or other healthcare professional if experiencing mental distress. When followed up after release, none had sought medical help despite the fact that many had considerable emotional problems. Many participants were hesitant to seek help because they feared being given a formal diagnosis of mental illness. Some of these men feared the stigma that such a diagnosis would bring, whereas others feared that a diagnosis would mean having to confront the problem. Lack of trust emerged as the most prominent theme in prisoners' discourse about not seeking help from health professionals. Distrust towards the "system" and authority figures in general was linked to adverse childhood experiences. Distrust directed specifically at healthcare professionals was often expressed as specific negative beliefs: many perceived that health professionals (most often doctors) "just don't care," "just want to medicate," and treat patients "superficially." Those men who would consider going to a general practitioner reported positive previous experiences of being respected and listened to. CONCLUSIONS: Distrust is a major barrier to accessing health care among offenders. Like most people, the respondents in this study wanted to feel listened to, acknowledged, and treated as individuals by health professionals. By ensuring that a positive precedent is set, particularly for sceptical groups such as ex-prisoners, general practitioners and prison doctors may be able to encourage future help seeking. Information specifically designed for prisoners is needed to help to de-stigmatise mental illness, and preparation for release should include provision of information about access to health and social services. Awareness training for health professionals is recommended: trust might be fostered in this population by seemingly trivial gestures that indicate respect.

Abstract. Author URL.

Owens C, Lambert H, Donovan J, Lloyd KR (2005). A qualitative study of help seeking and primary care consultation prior to suicide. Br J Gen Pract, 55(516), 503-509. Abstract. Author URL.

Hounsell J, Owens C (2005). User researchers in control: rhetoric and reality of user-led research. Mental Health Today, 29-32.

Owens C, Lloyd KR, Campbell J (2004). Access to health care prior to suicide: findings from a psychological autopsy study. Br J Gen Pract, 54(501), 279-281. Abstract. Author URL.

Owens (2004). The glass-walled asylum: a description of a lay residential community for the severely mentally ill. Journal of Mental Health, 13(3), 319-332.

Owens C, Booth N, Briscoe M, Lawrence C, Lloyd K (2003). Suicide outside the care of mental health services: a case-controlled psychological autopsy study. Crisis, 24(3), 113-121. Abstract. Author URL.

Lloyd KR, Booth NJ, Owens CV (2000). A case control study of suicide amongst persons not involved with mental health services. EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY, 15, 270S-270S. Author URL.

Booth N, Owens C (2000). Silent suicide: Suicide among people not in contact with mental health services. International Review of Psychiatry, 12(1), 27-30.

Owens C, Goble R, Pereira Gray D (1999). Involvement in multiprofessional continuing education: a local survey of 24 health care professions. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 13(3), 277-288. Abstract.

Chapters

Owens C, Sharkey S (2011). Safety and privacy in online research with young people who self-harm. In Alderson P, Morrow V (Eds.) The ethics of research with children and young people: a practical handbook, London: Sage.

Conferences

Quinn C, Brand S, Owens C, Byng R (2016). Synthesizing Multiple Qualitative Data Sets and Refining the Results in Complex Settings: Power and Paradigms. Author URL.

Reports

Byng R, Weyer Brown C, Sheaff R, Samele C, Deggan C, Owens C, Harrison D, Smithson P, Wright C, Annison J, et al (2011). Care for Offenders; Continuity of Access (COCOA). NIHR Service Delivery and Organisation Programme.

Owens C (2007). Guidance on action to be taken at suicide hotspots. Translated into Japanese. Tokyo, National Institute of Mental Health.

Owens C (2006). Guidance on action to be taken at suicide hotspots. Leeds, National Institute for Mental Health in England.

Publications by year

In Press

2020

2019

Owens C, Derges J, Abraham C (2019). Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people. BMJ Open, 9(11), e032319-e032319.

Abstract. Full text.

2018

Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

2017

Abstract. Full text.

2016

Owens C (2016). "Hotspots" and "copycats": a plea for more thoughtful language about suicide. Lancet Psychiatry, 3(1), 19-20. Author URL. Full text.

Quinn C, Brand S, Owens C, Byng R (2016). Synthesizing Multiple Qualitative Data Sets and Refining the Results in Complex Settings: Power and Paradigms. Author URL.

2015

Byng R, Howerton A, Owens CV, Campbell J (2015). Pathways to suicide attempts among male offenders: the role of agency. Sociol Health Illn, 37(6), 936-951. Abstract. Author URL.

Owens CV, Hardwick RJL, Charles NT, Watkinson G (2015). Preventing suicides in public places: a practice resource. London, Department of Health. Full text.

2014

Owens C, Roberts S, Taylor J (2014). Utility of local suicide data for informing local and national suicide prevention strategies. Public Health, 128(5), 424-429. Abstract. Author URL.

2013

2012

Mcloughlin AB, Malone KM, Owens C, Kelleher C (2012). SUICIDE IN THE CHILDREN OF IRELAND FROM 2003-2008: a MIXED METHOD STUDY. IRISH JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, 181, S446-S446. Author URL.

2011

2010

Owens C (2010). Interventions for self-harm: Are we measuring outcomes in the most appropriate way?. British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(6), 502-503.

2009

Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

Owens C, Lloyd-Tomlins S, Emmens T, Aitken P (2009). Suicides in public places: findings from one English county. Eur J Public Health, 19(6), 580-582. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.

2008

Owens C, Ley A, Aitken P (2008). Do different stakeholder groups share mental health research priorities? a four-arm Delphi study. Health Expect, 11(4), 418-431. Abstract. Author URL.

Owens C, Lambert H, Lloyd K, Donovan J (2008). Tales of biographical disintegration: how parents make sense of their sons' suicides. Sociol Health Illn, 30(2), 237-254. Abstract. Author URL.

2007

Owens C (2007). Guidance on action to be taken at suicide hotspots. Translated into Japanese. Tokyo, National Institute of Mental Health.

Howerton A, Byng R, Campbell J, Hess D, Owens C, Aitken P (2007). Understanding help seeking behaviour among male offenders: qualitative interview study. BMJ, 334(7588).

Abstract. Author URL.

2006

Owens C (2006). Guidance on action to be taken at suicide hotspots. Leeds, National Institute for Mental Health in England.

2005

Owens C, Lambert H, Donovan J, Lloyd KR (2005). A qualitative study of help seeking and primary care consultation prior to suicide. Br J Gen Pract, 55(516), 503-509. Abstract. Author URL.

Hounsell J, Owens C (2005). User researchers in control: rhetoric and reality of user-led research. Mental Health Today, 29-32.

2004

Owens C, Lloyd KR, Campbell J (2004). Access to health care prior to suicide: findings from a psychological autopsy study. Br J Gen Pract, 54(501), 279-281. Abstract. Author URL.

Owens (2004). The glass-walled asylum: a description of a lay residential community for the severely mentally ill. Journal of Mental Health, 13(3), 319-332.

2003

2000

Lloyd KR, Booth NJ, Owens CV (2000). A case control study of suicide amongst persons not involved with mental health services. EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY, 15, 270S-270S. Author URL.

Booth N, Owens C (2000). Silent suicide: Suicide among people not in contact with mental health services. International Review of Psychiatry, 12(1), 27-30.

1999

Refresh publications

External Engagement and Impact

Committee/panel activities

Academic lead for Devon Suicide Prevention and Audit Group

Scientific Advisor to The Alliance of Suicide Prevention Charities

Advisor to the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Advisor to SANE Research Team

Editorial responsibilities

Editorial board member, Suicidology Online

Reviewer for a wide range of journals and funding bodies

Invited lectures

2016 Keynote speaker: Lifeline Australia, Annual national meeting, Canberra

2016 Keynote speaker: Suicide Prevention Australia, Annual Conference, Canberra

2016 Harmless, 1st Annual Conference, Nottingham

2015 Suicide Prevention: What Works? National conference, Belfast

2015 4th National Conference on Suicide Bereavement, Manchester

2015 World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, Montreal

2014 PAPYRUS (Prevention of Youth Suicide) National Conference

2013 Conference for World Suicide Prevention Day, hosted by SANE

2013 Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, London Regional Meeting

2012 Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, Midlands Regional Meeting

2011 Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, Gloucester Regional Meeting

2011 National Experts’ Consensus Meeting on the Implementation of Optimal Suicide Prevention Strategies

2011 Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo

2011 Mental Health Research Network, South West Hub

2011 SW Regional Suicide Prevention Workshop

2009 University College Dublin

2009 SW Division Royal College of Psychiatrists

2008 Choose Life Summit, NHS Health Scotland, Dundee

2007 Scottish Suicide Information Research and Evidence Network (SIREN), Glasgow

2007 Faculty of Public Health Annual Conference

2007 University of Cardiff

2006 National Institute for Mental Health in England, Innovations in Suicide Prevention

2006 Devon Interagency Forum on Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention

2005 Samaritans, South West Regional Conference

2005 Folk.Us conference

2004 Jewish Health Council of Salford

2003 Exeter Medical History Seminar Series

Teaching

Supervision / Group

Alumni

Lucy Perry-Young (PhD, 2015)
Sarah Robens (PhD, 2012)

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Profile

Professor Emerita Christabel Owens

Overview

Research Specialisms

Qualifications

Research group links

Research

Research interests

Research projects

Publications

Key publications

Abstract:Measuring outcomes in trials of interventions for people who self-harm: qualitative study of service users' views

Abstract:Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people

Abstract:Development and evaluation of a leaflet for concerned family members and friends: 'It's safe to talk about suicide'

Abstract:Needs and fears of young people presenting at accident and emergency department following an act of self-harm: secondary analysis of qualitative data.

Publications by category

Books

Journal articles

Abstract:Measuring outcomes in trials of interventions for people who self-harm: qualitative study of service users' views

Abstract:Building programme theory to develop more adaptable and scalable complex interventions: Realist formative process evaluation prior to full trial

Abstract:Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people

Abstract:Evaluation of a complex intervention (Engager) for prisoners with common mental health problems, near to and after release: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract:General practitioner contributions to achieving sustained healthcare for offenders: a qualitative study.

Abstract:How people come to recognise a problem and seek medical help for a person showing early signs of dementia: a systematic review and meta-ethnography.

Abstract:The clinical and cost effectiveness of adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for bipolar mood instability in primary care (ThrIVe-B programme): a feasibility study.

Abstract:Development and evaluation of a leaflet for concerned family members and friends: 'It's safe to talk about suicide'

Abstract:Lived Lives: a Pavee Perspective. An arts-science community intervention around suicide in an indigenous ethnic minority

Abstract:Implementation of a text-messaging intervention for adolescents who self-harm (TeenTEXT): a feasibility study using normalisation process theory.

Abstract:Needs and fears of young people presenting at accident and emergency department following an act of self-harm: secondary analysis of qualitative data.

Abstract:Building an online community to promote communication and collaborative learning between health professionals and young people who self-harm: an exploratory study.

Abstract:Communication and interpretation of emotional distress within the friendships of young Irish men prior to suicide: a qualitative study.

Abstract:Pathways to suicide attempts among male offenders: the role of agency.

Abstract:Utility of local suicide data for informing local and national suicide prevention strategies.

Abstract:Interventions to reduce suicides at suicide hotspots: a systematic review.

Abstract:Mad, bad or heroic? Gender, identity and accountability in lay portrayals of suicide in late twentieth-century England.

Abstract:Suicide communication events: lay interpretation of the communication of suicidal ideation and intent.

Abstract:Supportive interchanges and face-work as 'protective talk' in an online self-harm support forum

Abstract:Ethical practice in internet research involving vulnerable people: lessons from a self-harm discussion forum study (SharpTalk).

Abstract:Membership and boundary maintenance on an online self-harm forum.

Abstract:Online discussion forums for young people who self-harm: User views

Abstract:Recognising and responding to suicidal crisis within family and social networks: qualitative study.

Abstract:Public involvement in suicide prevention: understanding and strengthening lay responses to distress.

Abstract:Suicides in public places: findings from one English county.

Abstract:Do different stakeholder groups share mental health research priorities? a four-arm Delphi study.

Abstract:Tales of biographical disintegration: how parents make sense of their sons' suicides.

Abstract:Understanding help seeking behaviour among male offenders: qualitative interview study.

Abstract:A qualitative study of help seeking and primary care consultation prior to suicide.

Abstract:Access to health care prior to suicide: findings from a psychological autopsy study.

Abstract:Suicide outside the care of mental health services: a case-controlled psychological autopsy study.

Abstract:Involvement in multiprofessional continuing education: a local survey of 24 health care professions

Chapters

Conferences

Reports

Publications by year

In Press

2020

Abstract:Measuring outcomes in trials of interventions for people who self-harm: qualitative study of service users' views

2019

Abstract:Building programme theory to develop more adaptable and scalable complex interventions: Realist formative process evaluation prior to full trial

Abstract:Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people

2018

Abstract:Evaluation of a complex intervention (Engager) for prisoners with common mental health problems, near to and after release: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract:General practitioner contributions to achieving sustained healthcare for offenders: a qualitative study.

Abstract:How people come to recognise a problem and seek medical help for a person showing early signs of dementia: a systematic review and meta-ethnography.

Abstract:The clinical and cost effectiveness of adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for bipolar mood instability in primary care (ThrIVe-B programme): a feasibility study.

2017

Abstract:Development and evaluation of a leaflet for concerned family members and friends: 'It's safe to talk about suicide'

Abstract:Lived Lives: a Pavee Perspective. An arts-science community intervention around suicide in an indigenous ethnic minority

2016

Abstract:Implementation of a text-messaging intervention for adolescents who self-harm (TeenTEXT): a feasibility study using normalisation process theory.

Abstract:Needs and fears of young people presenting at accident and emergency department following an act of self-harm: secondary analysis of qualitative data.

2015

Abstract:Building an online community to promote communication and collaborative learning between health professionals and young people who self-harm: an exploratory study.

Abstract:Communication and interpretation of emotional distress within the friendships of young Irish men prior to suicide: a qualitative study.

Abstract:Pathways to suicide attempts among male offenders: the role of agency.

2014

Abstract:Utility of local suicide data for informing local and national suicide prevention strategies.

2013

Abstract:Interventions to reduce suicides at suicide hotspots: a systematic review.

2012

Abstract:
Measuring outcomes in trials of interventions for people who self-harm: qualitative study of service users' views

Abstract:
Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people

Abstract:
Development and evaluation of a leaflet for concerned family members and friends: 'It's safe to talk about suicide'

Abstract:
Needs and fears of young people presenting at accident and emergency department following an act of self-harm: secondary analysis of qualitative data.

Abstract:
Measuring outcomes in trials of interventions for people who self-harm: qualitative study of service users' views

Abstract:
Building programme theory to develop more adaptable and scalable complex interventions: Realist formative process evaluation prior to full trial

Abstract:
Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people

Abstract:
Evaluation of a complex intervention (Engager) for prisoners with common mental health problems, near to and after release: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract:
General practitioner contributions to achieving sustained healthcare for offenders: a qualitative study.

Abstract:
How people come to recognise a problem and seek medical help for a person showing early signs of dementia: a systematic review and meta-ethnography.

Abstract:
The clinical and cost effectiveness of adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for bipolar mood instability in primary care (ThrIVe-B programme): a feasibility study.

Abstract:
Development and evaluation of a leaflet for concerned family members and friends: 'It's safe to talk about suicide'

Abstract:
Lived Lives: a Pavee Perspective. An arts-science community intervention around suicide in an indigenous ethnic minority

Abstract:
Implementation of a text-messaging intervention for adolescents who self-harm (TeenTEXT): a feasibility study using normalisation process theory.

Abstract:
Needs and fears of young people presenting at accident and emergency department following an act of self-harm: secondary analysis of qualitative data.

Abstract:
Building an online community to promote communication and collaborative learning between health professionals and young people who self-harm: an exploratory study.

Abstract:
Communication and interpretation of emotional distress within the friendships of young Irish men prior to suicide: a qualitative study.

Abstract:
Pathways to suicide attempts among male offenders: the role of agency.

Abstract:
Utility of local suicide data for informing local and national suicide prevention strategies.

Abstract:
Interventions to reduce suicides at suicide hotspots: a systematic review.

Abstract:
Mad, bad or heroic? Gender, identity and accountability in lay portrayals of suicide in late twentieth-century England.

Abstract:
Suicide communication events: lay interpretation of the communication of suicidal ideation and intent.

Abstract:
Supportive interchanges and face-work as 'protective talk' in an online self-harm support forum

Abstract:
Ethical practice in internet research involving vulnerable people: lessons from a self-harm discussion forum study (SharpTalk).

Abstract:
Membership and boundary maintenance on an online self-harm forum.

Abstract:
Online discussion forums for young people who self-harm: User views

Abstract:
Recognising and responding to suicidal crisis within family and social networks: qualitative study.

Abstract:
Public involvement in suicide prevention: understanding and strengthening lay responses to distress.

Abstract:
Suicides in public places: findings from one English county.

Abstract:
Do different stakeholder groups share mental health research priorities? a four-arm Delphi study.

Abstract:
Tales of biographical disintegration: how parents make sense of their sons' suicides.

Abstract:
Understanding help seeking behaviour among male offenders: qualitative interview study.

Abstract:
A qualitative study of help seeking and primary care consultation prior to suicide.

Abstract:
Access to health care prior to suicide: findings from a psychological autopsy study.

Abstract:
Suicide outside the care of mental health services: a case-controlled psychological autopsy study.

Abstract:
Involvement in multiprofessional continuing education: a local survey of 24 health care professions

Abstract:
Measuring outcomes in trials of interventions for people who self-harm: qualitative study of service users' views

Abstract:
Building programme theory to develop more adaptable and scalable complex interventions: Realist formative process evaluation prior to full trial

Abstract:
Intervening to prevent a suicide in a public place: a qualitative study of effective interventions by lay people

Abstract:
Evaluation of a complex intervention (Engager) for prisoners with common mental health problems, near to and after release: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract:
General practitioner contributions to achieving sustained healthcare for offenders: a qualitative study.

Abstract:
How people come to recognise a problem and seek medical help for a person showing early signs of dementia: a systematic review and meta-ethnography.

Abstract:
The clinical and cost effectiveness of adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for bipolar mood instability in primary care (ThrIVe-B programme): a feasibility study.

Abstract:
Development and evaluation of a leaflet for concerned family members and friends: 'It's safe to talk about suicide'

Abstract:
Lived Lives: a Pavee Perspective. An arts-science community intervention around suicide in an indigenous ethnic minority

Abstract:
Implementation of a text-messaging intervention for adolescents who self-harm (TeenTEXT): a feasibility study using normalisation process theory.

Abstract:
Needs and fears of young people presenting at accident and emergency department following an act of self-harm: secondary analysis of qualitative data.

Abstract:
Building an online community to promote communication and collaborative learning between health professionals and young people who self-harm: an exploratory study.

Abstract:
Communication and interpretation of emotional distress within the friendships of young Irish men prior to suicide: a qualitative study.

Abstract:
Pathways to suicide attempts among male offenders: the role of agency.

Abstract:
Utility of local suicide data for informing local and national suicide prevention strategies.

Abstract:
Interventions to reduce suicides at suicide hotspots: a systematic review.

Abstract:
Mad, bad or heroic? Gender, identity and accountability in lay portrayals of suicide in late twentieth-century England.

Abstract:
Suicide communication events: lay interpretation of the communication of suicidal ideation and intent.

Abstract:
Supportive interchanges and face-work as 'protective talk' in an online self-harm support forum

Abstract:
Ethical practice in internet research involving vulnerable people: lessons from a self-harm discussion forum study (SharpTalk).

Abstract:
Membership and boundary maintenance on an online self-harm forum.

Abstract:
Online discussion forums for young people who self-harm: User views

Abstract:
Recognising and responding to suicidal crisis within family and social networks: qualitative study.

Abstract:
Public involvement in suicide prevention: understanding and strengthening lay responses to distress.

Abstract:
Suicides in public places: findings from one English county.

Abstract:
Do different stakeholder groups share mental health research priorities? a four-arm Delphi study.

Abstract:
Tales of biographical disintegration: how parents make sense of their sons' suicides.

Abstract:
Understanding help seeking behaviour among male offenders: qualitative interview study.

Abstract:
A qualitative study of help seeking and primary care consultation prior to suicide.

Abstract:
Access to health care prior to suicide: findings from a psychological autopsy study.

Abstract:
Suicide outside the care of mental health services: a case-controlled psychological autopsy study.

Abstract:
Involvement in multiprofessional continuing education: a local survey of 24 health care professions