Kelly, Henry Charles (2023) Experiences of Individuals with Pre-Pandemic Lived Experience of Suicide During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Thematic Analysis of Discussion Forum Posts. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Global suicide rates were predicted to rise during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (herein pandemic) due to increases in suicide risk factors (e.g., isolation, financial stress). However, this prediction has not been reflected in a substantial rise in deaths by suicide or suicidal thoughts and attempts at the rate originally predicted. Research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced suicidality in those with pre-pandemic lived experiences of suicide has not been a focus despite being at elevated risk. This qualitative research project aims to address this gap by investigating how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the experiences of suicidality of individuals with pre pandemic experience of suicidality. Reddit subreddits r/SuicideWatch and r/Covid_support were searched using a modified scoping review approach, with 975 posts being collected. The search was limited to posts between 1 January 2021-31 December 2022 to reflect the ongoing nature of pandemic suicidal behaviours. Of these posts, 103 met the inclusion criteria. An inductive reflexive thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s six-step process. Three themes were identified: The pandemic impacted users' financial and employment stability, their sense of safety, social connection, and freedom. The pandemic also thwarted users' help-seeking options and suicide plans. Users experienced a pandemic induced epiphany that uncovered negative self-appraisals, ultimately exacerbating their experience of suicidality. Findings may have theoretical implications in supporting suicide theories in the context of a pandemic.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Wellbeing (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Andrea Lamont-Mills ; Meg Richardson |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 20 May 2025 03:46 |
| Last Modified: | 20 May 2025 03:46 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Suicide, COVID-19, pandemic, Reddit, thematic analysis |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52459 |
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