New suicide prevention in agriculture research project launched
Published: 4 June 2025
A major new research project focused on suicide prevention in agriculture is being announced this week by RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture.
A major new research project focused on suicide prevention in agriculture is being announced this week by RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture.
The University of Glasgow is workign with the RSABI on a PhD research project aimed at understanding and preventing suicide within Scotland’s farming and crofting communities.
The three-year project will be supervised by Professor Rory O’Connor, Director of the Universty’s Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab, who is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of suicide prevention.
The University of Glasgow and the RSABI are inviting interest from prospective PhD researchers to undertake this vital work. The study will combine academic rigour with real-world impact, addressing the distinct challenges faced by people working in agriculture, a sector where stress, isolation, and poor access to healthcare contribute to significantly higher risks of mental ill-health and suicide.
The research will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature to explore the relationship between agricultural life and suicide risk. In its second year, the project will conduct a national survey examining psychological and social factors affecting mental health in the farming community viewed through the Integrated Motivational-Volitional model of suicidal behaviour, a model of suicide developed by Professor O’Connor.
The final phase will involve in-depth interviews with individuals from agricultural backgrounds who have experienced suicidal thoughts or who have been bereaved by suicide.
Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, said: “Tragically, suicide continues to be responsible for the loss of too many lives in the agricultural community. This research will play a vital role in deepening our understanding of the factors behind suicide in farming and help shape the most effective prevention strategies.”
Professor Rory O’Connor, former President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Chair in Health Psychology at the University's School of Health and Wellbeing said: “We are delighted to be partnering with RSABI on this important project. For far too long, suicide risk in agricultural communities has not received the attention that it so badly needs. Over the next 3 years, we hope to gain a better understanding of the specific factors associated with suicide risk, which will, in turn, inform suicide prevention efforts nationally and internationally.”
The findings of the study will directly inform RSABI’s suicide prevention activities and wider mental health support work, helping to deliver more tailored services, targeted campaigns, and innovative tools to support those at risk and those affected by suicide.
Applications are now being welcomed from individuals with a strong academic background in psychology, mental health, or related disciplines. Previous experience working in mental health-related research and/or practice as well as agricultural experience would be welcome.
RSABI is part of a community of organisations backing Scotland’s national suicide prevention campaign which highlights the need to normalise talking about suicide and give people the confidence to have a conversation that might just save someone’s life.
Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk
First published: 4 June 2025