Iain McGowan | University of Ulster (original) (raw)

Books by Iain McGowan

Research paper thumbnail of On Suicide: The Philosophy of Self Killing

What did Aristotle think about suicide? How did Plato record the death of Socrates? For the first... more What did Aristotle think about suicide? How did Plato record the death of Socrates? For the first time, these and other classic philosophical essays in the field of suicidology are brought together. With contributions from leading thinkers including Karl Marx, David Hume, St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas students of both suicide and philosophy will find this book an invaluable resource.

Papers by Iain McGowan

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal suicide: rates and trends

RCM midwives : the official journal of the Royal College of Midwives, 2007

... Suicidality has been reported as a common symptom in postpartum psychosis (PPP) (Burt and Ste... more ... Suicidality has been reported as a common symptom in postpartum psychosis (PPP) (Burt and Stein, 2002). ... Maternal suicide: rates and trends Lecturer in nursing Iain McGowan, professor of midwifery research Marlene Sinclair and staff nurse Mark Owens provide a descriptive ...

Research paper thumbnail of Contrasting Terrorist-Related Deaths With Suicide Trends Over 34 Years

Journal of Mental …, Jan 1, 2005

Abstract Background: As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, p... more Abstract Background: As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, political focus has moved to address social issues incumbent in a landscape blighted by civil unrest. This paper appears to be the primary attempt to synthesize the most violent period ...

Research paper thumbnail of Does All Work and No Play Make a Dull Graduate? Perceptions of Extra-curricular Activities and Employability

Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 2016

It has been argued that there is a prima facie case as to why extra-curricular activities should ... more It has been argued that there is a prima facie case as to why extra-curricular activities should be thought to contribute to graduate outcomes, yet few studies have examined student activities beyond the classroom and their role in student experience and graduate outcomes. This study collected data via a questionnaire survey (n=852) and a series of focus groups with students (n=95) to examine undergraduate perceptions of the role that extra-curricular activities play in developing employability skills. It was found that extracurricular activities were significantly correlated with other employability related aspects of student experience and viewed favourably by students in terms of CV building and enhancing employability. Yet students also reported that it was often difficult to participate in activities outside of their academic work and paid employment. It is concluded that the value of extra-curricular activities is widely recognised and universities should support students who wish to engage in them. Furthermore, future programmes aimed at harnessing the capacity of extra-curricular activities to develop student employability need to give due consideration to strategies for enhancing inclusion and diverse participation.

Research paper thumbnail of Self-Harm and Attempted Suicide In Young People Looked After In State Care

Journal of Children and …, Jan 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Delivering Mental Health First Aid: an exploration of instructors' views

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 2015

Mental health literacy among the general public is poor; many people lack the skills to provide e... more Mental health literacy among the general public is poor; many people lack the skills to provide early intervention and suicide prevention strategies. ‘Mental Health First Aid’ (MHFA) is a 12-hour mental health promotion programme offering a tool kit and action plan supporting participants to engage with those experiencing a mental health difficulty. Exploring the MHFA model, this study aims to capture the views of experienced MHFA instructors, sharing their journey of programme delivery in Northern Ireland. A focus group of six instructors participated in a semi-structured recorded meeting, transcripts of which were analysed and key themes identified using a pragmatic approach to schematic content analysis. This study identifies and explores four themes: future roll out, instructor skills, challenges, networks and motivation. Results indicate that complex strategies are employed in delivering MHFA training, while the conclusion calls for the development of a mental health public awareness campaign and continuation of the MHFA programme.

Research paper thumbnail of Providing Meaningful Care: Learning From the Experiences of Suicidal Young Men

Little is known about young suicidal men’s preferences for care. Using a broad interpretative app... more Little is known about young suicidal men’s preferences for care. Using a broad interpretative approach, we interviewed 36 formerly suicidal young men in a study addressing the development and provision of mental health services. Our analysis yielded three core categories: “widening access and bolstering proactive outreach”, “on becoming a man”, and “equipping young men for future challenges.” Collectively, these categories suggest key features and processes of appropriate service configuration and clinical care: (a) services that reach out proactively serve to encourage young men’s initial and ongoing engagement, (b) care delivered over the long term ensures a necessary focus on a meaningful future life, (c) mental health professionals (MHPs) are centrally involved alongside significant others, including those with personal experience of suicide, and (d) the development of a vital interpersonal connection is based on MHPs actively communicating their empathy, open-mindedness and interest in a young man’s unique biography.

Research paper thumbnail of  Cessation of deliberate self harm following eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: A case report.

We present a case report of an eighteen year old female patient presenting with a psychological t... more We present a case report of an eighteen year old female patient presenting with a psychological trauma related complaint. Part of the manifestation of the complaint included acts of self cutting over a number of years. Following two sessions of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing with one of the authors (DM) her self cutting ceased. This is maintained at thirteen months follow up. We conclude that Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing may be an effective treatment option in reducing repeat self harm where traumatic events are noted to be the precursor to deliberate self harm.

Research paper thumbnail of Self-harm and Attempted Suicide in Young People Looked After in State Care

Suicide rates in Northern Ireland have steadily increased over the last three decades leading to ... more Suicide rates in Northern Ireland have steadily increased over the last three decades leading to the recognition of suicide as a major public health issue in the region. Statistics relating to hospital admissions for self-harm in Northern Ireland indicate that the number of such admissions has increased by 9% since 2000. In 2006 the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy was launched with the strategic aim ‘to reduce the Northern Irelandsuicide rate, particularly among young people and those most at risk.’ However no specific mention is made of young people who live in state care. This paper uses social worker accounts to highlight the emotional and behavioural vulnerabilities as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a group of adolescents (n=165) who are ‘looked after’ away from home. It was found that 49.6% of the young people scored within the abnormal range of the SDQ Total Difficulties score and social worker reportedprevalence of suicidal behaviour (10.3%) and self-harm (12.7%) was high. It is argued that widespread special interventions need to be put in place for this especially vulnerable population.

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal suicide: rates and trends.

Pregnancy and childbirth are traditionally recognised as life events that are to be cherished and... more Pregnancy and childbirth are traditionally recognised as life events that are to be cherished and celebrated. However, recent media coverage and official reports of deaths by suicide, including the last report of the Confidential Enquiry on Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) (2004) have raised public and health professionals’ awareness of the potential dangers of mental health problems to mothers during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth. Suicidality has been reported as a common symptom in postpartum psychosis (PPP) (Burt and Stein, 2002). While PPP is a rare event following birth, other more common mental health issues associated with childbirth are correlated positively with suicide. This has led to the US Congress introducing a ‘House Resolution’ (H.Res 51) encouraging the US National Institutes of Health to investigate the mental health issues associated with postpartum mental health problems (Lindahl et al, 2005). Surprisingly, there is a paucity of literature investigating the prevalence of suicide during pregnancy and the year after giving birth. Lindahl et al (2005), in a systematic review of prevalence studies of maternal suicide, identified only nine studies globally that have attempted to identify the scope of the problem of maternal suicide.

Research paper thumbnail of Madness and the Moon:The Lunar Cycle and Psychopathology

Historically, there has been a perceived association between the moon and human biology and behav... more Historically, there has been a perceived association between the moon and human biology and behaviour that can be traced back to at least Roman times. The idea that the moon can in some way influence human biology or behaviour is a phenomena that has now come to known asthe “Transylvanian effect” in the academic literature. Many mental health professionals continue to hold the belief that lunar cycles can alter human behaviour despite contradictory evidence, but may also be due to personal, ethical, aesthetic, and intuitive ways of knowing. However, studies that have reported positive findings have been shown to be methodologically flawed, inconclusive, or confounded with other variables. Contrary to this belief in a Transylvanian effect are more recent studies refuting any association, relationship, or correlation between lunar cycles and human biology or behaviour. The vast majority of research relating to this phenomenon has been carried out retrospectively utilising secondary data.

Research paper thumbnail of Contrasting terrorist-related deaths with suicide trends over 34 years.

Background : As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, political... more Background : As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, political focus has moved to address social issues incumbent in a landscape blighted by civil unrest. This paper appears to be the primary attempt to synthesize the most violent period of Ireland's history in terms of the actual number of premature and unnecessary deaths. Aim : The aim of this study was to examine the trends in suicide rates and terrorist-related homicide in Northern Ireland from 1966 to 1999 and to investigate any relationship between the two. Methods : The official suicide rates from the Reports of the Registrar Generals Office (1967 – 2000) were extrapolated from the total list of causes of death. The death figures were taken from the data published by McKittrick et al. (2000). Data was initially systematically listed. Cross-tabs were then undertaken to examine the number of suicides and deaths by gender and age. Where appropriate Pearson correlation co-efficient was used to analyse possible statistically significant relationships between variables. Results : Nearly 7000 people have died prematurely in Northern Ireland between 1966 and 1999. Males were more likely to die by both methods than females. The standardized rate of suicide falls in both genders after the age of 65 years. A highly significant inverse correlation ( p < 0.01) was noted between the total number of suicides and homicides. A finding repeated in both genders. Conclusions : The “Troubles” may have had the effect of increasing social cohesion that protected individuals from suicide.

Research paper thumbnail of A Tariff System for Nervous Shock: Introducing the Total Impact Score

ijpm.org

O b j e c t i v e s : This study was designed to test a pro p o s e d relationship between the to... more O b j e c t i v e s : This study was designed to test a pro p o s e d relationship between the total impact score (devised by the authors) and the quantum of damages in compensation received by victims of criminal and political violence. In so doing, the authors sought to develop a mathematica l formula which could be used to quantify damages in a simple and expeditious manner.

Research paper thumbnail of THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OBSESSIONS AND COMPULSIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA.

priory.com

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OBSESSIONS AND COMPULSIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA.

Research paper thumbnail of Users, carers and professionals experiences of treatment and care for heroin dependency: Implications for practice. A preliminary study

Journal of Substance …

... W. McGowan 2 , Derek. ... abstinence-based treatment paradigms are heralded by international ... more ... W. McGowan 2 , Derek. ... abstinence-based treatment paradigms are heralded by international self-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and are exemplified by a “zero tolerance” approach to drug treatment policy in the United States (Kleber, 1993; Strang & Gossop, 2005 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Research-Maternal suicide: Rates and trends-Providing a descriptive study of maternal suicide in the UK, Iain McGowan and Marlene Sinclair interpret the …

RCM Midwives, Jan 1, 2007

Talks by Iain McGowan

Research paper thumbnail of Living  with someone misusing over the counter medications

Research paper thumbnail of On Suicide: The Philosophy of Self Killing

What did Aristotle think about suicide? How did Plato record the death of Socrates? For the first... more What did Aristotle think about suicide? How did Plato record the death of Socrates? For the first time, these and other classic philosophical essays in the field of suicidology are brought together. With contributions from leading thinkers including Karl Marx, David Hume, St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas students of both suicide and philosophy will find this book an invaluable resource.

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal suicide: rates and trends

RCM midwives : the official journal of the Royal College of Midwives, 2007

... Suicidality has been reported as a common symptom in postpartum psychosis (PPP) (Burt and Ste... more ... Suicidality has been reported as a common symptom in postpartum psychosis (PPP) (Burt and Stein, 2002). ... Maternal suicide: rates and trends Lecturer in nursing Iain McGowan, professor of midwifery research Marlene Sinclair and staff nurse Mark Owens provide a descriptive ...

Research paper thumbnail of Contrasting Terrorist-Related Deaths With Suicide Trends Over 34 Years

Journal of Mental …, Jan 1, 2005

Abstract Background: As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, p... more Abstract Background: As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, political focus has moved to address social issues incumbent in a landscape blighted by civil unrest. This paper appears to be the primary attempt to synthesize the most violent period ...

Research paper thumbnail of Does All Work and No Play Make a Dull Graduate? Perceptions of Extra-curricular Activities and Employability

Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 2016

It has been argued that there is a prima facie case as to why extra-curricular activities should ... more It has been argued that there is a prima facie case as to why extra-curricular activities should be thought to contribute to graduate outcomes, yet few studies have examined student activities beyond the classroom and their role in student experience and graduate outcomes. This study collected data via a questionnaire survey (n=852) and a series of focus groups with students (n=95) to examine undergraduate perceptions of the role that extra-curricular activities play in developing employability skills. It was found that extracurricular activities were significantly correlated with other employability related aspects of student experience and viewed favourably by students in terms of CV building and enhancing employability. Yet students also reported that it was often difficult to participate in activities outside of their academic work and paid employment. It is concluded that the value of extra-curricular activities is widely recognised and universities should support students who wish to engage in them. Furthermore, future programmes aimed at harnessing the capacity of extra-curricular activities to develop student employability need to give due consideration to strategies for enhancing inclusion and diverse participation.

Research paper thumbnail of Self-Harm and Attempted Suicide In Young People Looked After In State Care

Journal of Children and …, Jan 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Delivering Mental Health First Aid: an exploration of instructors' views

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 2015

Mental health literacy among the general public is poor; many people lack the skills to provide e... more Mental health literacy among the general public is poor; many people lack the skills to provide early intervention and suicide prevention strategies. ‘Mental Health First Aid’ (MHFA) is a 12-hour mental health promotion programme offering a tool kit and action plan supporting participants to engage with those experiencing a mental health difficulty. Exploring the MHFA model, this study aims to capture the views of experienced MHFA instructors, sharing their journey of programme delivery in Northern Ireland. A focus group of six instructors participated in a semi-structured recorded meeting, transcripts of which were analysed and key themes identified using a pragmatic approach to schematic content analysis. This study identifies and explores four themes: future roll out, instructor skills, challenges, networks and motivation. Results indicate that complex strategies are employed in delivering MHFA training, while the conclusion calls for the development of a mental health public awareness campaign and continuation of the MHFA programme.

Research paper thumbnail of Providing Meaningful Care: Learning From the Experiences of Suicidal Young Men

Little is known about young suicidal men’s preferences for care. Using a broad interpretative app... more Little is known about young suicidal men’s preferences for care. Using a broad interpretative approach, we interviewed 36 formerly suicidal young men in a study addressing the development and provision of mental health services. Our analysis yielded three core categories: “widening access and bolstering proactive outreach”, “on becoming a man”, and “equipping young men for future challenges.” Collectively, these categories suggest key features and processes of appropriate service configuration and clinical care: (a) services that reach out proactively serve to encourage young men’s initial and ongoing engagement, (b) care delivered over the long term ensures a necessary focus on a meaningful future life, (c) mental health professionals (MHPs) are centrally involved alongside significant others, including those with personal experience of suicide, and (d) the development of a vital interpersonal connection is based on MHPs actively communicating their empathy, open-mindedness and interest in a young man’s unique biography.

Research paper thumbnail of  Cessation of deliberate self harm following eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: A case report.

We present a case report of an eighteen year old female patient presenting with a psychological t... more We present a case report of an eighteen year old female patient presenting with a psychological trauma related complaint. Part of the manifestation of the complaint included acts of self cutting over a number of years. Following two sessions of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing with one of the authors (DM) her self cutting ceased. This is maintained at thirteen months follow up. We conclude that Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing may be an effective treatment option in reducing repeat self harm where traumatic events are noted to be the precursor to deliberate self harm.

Research paper thumbnail of Self-harm and Attempted Suicide in Young People Looked After in State Care

Suicide rates in Northern Ireland have steadily increased over the last three decades leading to ... more Suicide rates in Northern Ireland have steadily increased over the last three decades leading to the recognition of suicide as a major public health issue in the region. Statistics relating to hospital admissions for self-harm in Northern Ireland indicate that the number of such admissions has increased by 9% since 2000. In 2006 the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy was launched with the strategic aim ‘to reduce the Northern Irelandsuicide rate, particularly among young people and those most at risk.’ However no specific mention is made of young people who live in state care. This paper uses social worker accounts to highlight the emotional and behavioural vulnerabilities as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a group of adolescents (n=165) who are ‘looked after’ away from home. It was found that 49.6% of the young people scored within the abnormal range of the SDQ Total Difficulties score and social worker reportedprevalence of suicidal behaviour (10.3%) and self-harm (12.7%) was high. It is argued that widespread special interventions need to be put in place for this especially vulnerable population.

Research paper thumbnail of Maternal suicide: rates and trends.

Pregnancy and childbirth are traditionally recognised as life events that are to be cherished and... more Pregnancy and childbirth are traditionally recognised as life events that are to be cherished and celebrated. However, recent media coverage and official reports of deaths by suicide, including the last report of the Confidential Enquiry on Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) (2004) have raised public and health professionals’ awareness of the potential dangers of mental health problems to mothers during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth. Suicidality has been reported as a common symptom in postpartum psychosis (PPP) (Burt and Stein, 2002). While PPP is a rare event following birth, other more common mental health issues associated with childbirth are correlated positively with suicide. This has led to the US Congress introducing a ‘House Resolution’ (H.Res 51) encouraging the US National Institutes of Health to investigate the mental health issues associated with postpartum mental health problems (Lindahl et al, 2005). Surprisingly, there is a paucity of literature investigating the prevalence of suicide during pregnancy and the year after giving birth. Lindahl et al (2005), in a systematic review of prevalence studies of maternal suicide, identified only nine studies globally that have attempted to identify the scope of the problem of maternal suicide.

Research paper thumbnail of Madness and the Moon:The Lunar Cycle and Psychopathology

Historically, there has been a perceived association between the moon and human biology and behav... more Historically, there has been a perceived association between the moon and human biology and behaviour that can be traced back to at least Roman times. The idea that the moon can in some way influence human biology or behaviour is a phenomena that has now come to known asthe “Transylvanian effect” in the academic literature. Many mental health professionals continue to hold the belief that lunar cycles can alter human behaviour despite contradictory evidence, but may also be due to personal, ethical, aesthetic, and intuitive ways of knowing. However, studies that have reported positive findings have been shown to be methodologically flawed, inconclusive, or confounded with other variables. Contrary to this belief in a Transylvanian effect are more recent studies refuting any association, relationship, or correlation between lunar cycles and human biology or behaviour. The vast majority of research relating to this phenomenon has been carried out retrospectively utilising secondary data.

Research paper thumbnail of Contrasting terrorist-related deaths with suicide trends over 34 years.

Background : As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, political... more Background : As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, political focus has moved to address social issues incumbent in a landscape blighted by civil unrest. This paper appears to be the primary attempt to synthesize the most violent period of Ireland's history in terms of the actual number of premature and unnecessary deaths. Aim : The aim of this study was to examine the trends in suicide rates and terrorist-related homicide in Northern Ireland from 1966 to 1999 and to investigate any relationship between the two. Methods : The official suicide rates from the Reports of the Registrar Generals Office (1967 – 2000) were extrapolated from the total list of causes of death. The death figures were taken from the data published by McKittrick et al. (2000). Data was initially systematically listed. Cross-tabs were then undertaken to examine the number of suicides and deaths by gender and age. Where appropriate Pearson correlation co-efficient was used to analyse possible statistically significant relationships between variables. Results : Nearly 7000 people have died prematurely in Northern Ireland between 1966 and 1999. Males were more likely to die by both methods than females. The standardized rate of suicide falls in both genders after the age of 65 years. A highly significant inverse correlation ( p < 0.01) was noted between the total number of suicides and homicides. A finding repeated in both genders. Conclusions : The “Troubles” may have had the effect of increasing social cohesion that protected individuals from suicide.

Research paper thumbnail of A Tariff System for Nervous Shock: Introducing the Total Impact Score

ijpm.org

O b j e c t i v e s : This study was designed to test a pro p o s e d relationship between the to... more O b j e c t i v e s : This study was designed to test a pro p o s e d relationship between the total impact score (devised by the authors) and the quantum of damages in compensation received by victims of criminal and political violence. In so doing, the authors sought to develop a mathematica l formula which could be used to quantify damages in a simple and expeditious manner.

Research paper thumbnail of THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OBSESSIONS AND COMPULSIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA.

priory.com

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OBSESSIONS AND COMPULSIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA.

Research paper thumbnail of Users, carers and professionals experiences of treatment and care for heroin dependency: Implications for practice. A preliminary study

Journal of Substance …

... W. McGowan 2 , Derek. ... abstinence-based treatment paradigms are heralded by international ... more ... W. McGowan 2 , Derek. ... abstinence-based treatment paradigms are heralded by international self-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and are exemplified by a “zero tolerance” approach to drug treatment policy in the United States (Kleber, 1993; Strang & Gossop, 2005 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Research-Maternal suicide: Rates and trends-Providing a descriptive study of maternal suicide in the UK, Iain McGowan and Marlene Sinclair interpret the …

RCM Midwives, Jan 1, 2007