Out of harm’s way?
An exploration of self-harm among Flemish older adults
Project supervisors
Prof. dr. I. Baetens: Imke.Baetens@vub.be and dr. Steven Vanderstichelen: Steven.Vanderstichelen@vub.be
Project researchers
PhD student Lisa Van Hove
Project duration
March 2020 - March 2025
Description
The prevalence of suicide among older adults is notably high worldwide. With the global population aging rapidly, a pressing need for research arises to uncover the factors preceding suicide in this age group. Self-harm serves as strong predictor of suicide. However, studies focusing specifically on types of self-harm, such as direct and indirect self-harm, are scarce. This doctoral dissertation aims to address this gap. First, we conducted a systematic review to untangle the risk and protective factors associated with specific types of self-harm among older adults from existing literature. Next, Flemish psychogeriatric experts were interviewed to gain insights into their experiences with older adults engaging in self-harm. Drawing from these two study findings, a questionnaire was crafted to inquire older adults in Flanders about self-harming behaviors and its associated factors. Finally, the questionnaire was distributed in a semi-randomized sample of older adults across several settings.
Relevant links
- Click here for the publication of the systematic review
- Click here for the publication of the interview study
- Click here to read a news article about the questionnaire study
- Click here to read the EOS Wetenschap article on about the questionnaire study
- Click here to read the VUB news post about the project
VUB cares about you
Subjective wellbeing of VUB students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Project supervisors
Prof. dr. I. Baetens: Imke.Baetens@vub.be and Prof. dr. J. Vanderfaeillie: Johan.Vanderfaeillie@vub.be
Project researchers
Prof. dr. P. Theuns, Prof. dr. V. Soyez, Prof. dr. C. Schotte, Prof. dr. T. Vantilborgh, PhD students Lydia Castiglione, Lisa Van Hove and Joyce Van Den Meersschaut
Description
A growing body of studies has found the COVID-19 pandemic to have an overwhelmingly negative effect on college students’ mental health. More specifically, increased levels of anxiety, depression and stress have been reported by students as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures. Requested by rector Pauwels, this project examined the current wellbeing of VUB students and estimate the number of students with poor subjective wellbeing.
Relevant links
