Constructing and conceptualizing suicide and self-harm

This is an Accepted Manuscript of a book chapter published by Routledge in [Contemporary social problems in the UK: A comprehensive overview] on [30/09/2022], available online: https://www.routledge.com/Contemporary-Social-Problems-in-the-UK-A-Comprehensive-Overview/Stanley/p/book/9780367764227The chapter on ‘’ Contextualising suicide and self-harm’ ’provides an overview of suicide and self-harm, with particular focus to social theory, epidemiology, societal attitudes, law and ethics, and management strategies. Suicide and self-harm rates, and are explored from a national and international perspectives. The authors examine self-harm and suicide grounded in theory and practice, taking account of both societal and individual domains. The aim is to explore the conceptualisation of suicide and self-harm and relate it to the evidence base. The chapter commences with suicide models and aims to equip the reader with a framework to explore this sensitive topic; Durkheim is used to allow readers to challenge their knowledge and attitudes. Suicide and self-harm statistics are reported before offering some context to them. Suicide is a human tragedy and no amount of theories, statistics or facts will change its far-reaching impact. We have attempted to address the consequences of self-harm and suicide on the individual and their family unit. Media portrayal, assessment, prevention strategies, legislation and knowledge and attitudes to suicide are explored