The role of intimate partner relationships on suicide risk among men in the construction sector in New Zealand (NZ): Understanding the interplay between work, family, and employee mental health
Abstract
This oral presentation aims to illustrate a comprehensive literature review and methodology used in my study. The main purpose of this study is to explore the role of intimate partner relationships on suicide risk among men in the construction sector in NZ. The focus of my research is on relationship breakdown which is a predominant theme preceding suicide by men in the industry (Bryson et al., 2019). Several studies have investigated specific elements of intimate partner relationships associated with suicidality, including intimate partner violence and abuse (Devries et al., 2013; McLaughlin et al., 2012). There is currently no research within NZ that has explored the interplay between men’s work, family, and mental health. The underlying theoretical paradigms for this study will be interpretivism and critical theory. For this study, I will use qualitative research methodology because I seek to capture the experiences, perceptions and perspectives of construction workers, their spouses, and key stakeholders. My data collection for Study 1 will comprise of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders in the construction sector. Study 2 will comprise of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with construction workers across a range of occupations and their intimate partners. Recruitment of participants for Study 1 will be based on each participant having direct and current connection to the construction sector in NZ. Study 2 recruitment will be through the MATES in Construction Programme where participants will be selected from across a range of occupations within the sector. Furthermore, their partners will be invited to participate in the research. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the transcripts from the interviews. NVivo software will be used for data analysis to deduce the main themes and subthemes in the data coding. Currently, I am finalizing my confirmation of candidature; after which I intend to apply for ethical approval and plan to conduct fieldwork in NZ once this is received.
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References
Bryson, K., Doblas, J., Stachowski, C., & Walmsley, A. (2019). Suicide in New Zealand’s construction industry workforce: Factors identified in coronial reports. https://www.sitesafe.org.nz/guides--resources/research/sitesaferesearch/%0Ahttps://www.sitesafe.org.nz/guides--resources/research/sitesaferesearch/
Devries, K. M., Mak, J. Y., Bacchus, L. J., Child, J. C., Falder, G., Petzold, M., Astbury, J., & Watts, C. H. (2013). Intimate partner violence and incident depressive symptoms and suicide attempts: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. PLoS Medicine, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001439
McLaughlin, J., O’Carroll, R. E., & O’Connor, R. C. (2012). Intimate partner abuse and suicidality: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(8), 677–689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2012.08.002
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