Dr Heather McClelland
- Lecturer in Clinical Psychology (Mental Health & Wellbeing)
telephone:
01412110281
email:
Heather.McClelland@glasgow.ac.uk
Biography
Dr Heather McClelland is research academic with expertise in suicidal behaviour, social connectedness, and digital intervention. Her work includes independent studies, international collaborations, and contributions to national policy on behalf of the Scottish Government.
She holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology, an MRes in Neuropsychology, and completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Glasgow in 2022 focusing on loneliness and self-harm which earned her chartered membership with the British Psychological Society. Heather has been an active researcher at the University of Glasgow since 2017.
In 2018, she was appointed Academic Advisor to the Scottish Government’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG), becoming Senior Advisor in 2020. Since leaving the NSPLG in 2024, she has contributed to international projects examining the social determinants of suicide and suicide prevention, using methods including meta-analysis and Delphi studies.
Research interests
Subject areas
- Suicide and self-harm
- Social connectivity (including loneliness & interpersonal factors)
- Psychological distress
- Early intervention and prevention of mental illness
Research Groups
- Suicide Behaviour Research Laboratory (SBRL; researcher)
- Social Isolation and Loneliness Mental Health Network (member)
Publications
2026
Altavini, Camila S., Jamieson, Maggie, Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Niederkrotenthaler, Thomas, Sinyor, Mark, Spittal, Matthew J. and Platt, Stephen
(2026)
Evaluating the outcomes of national suicide prevention strategies: evidence and challenges.
Lancet Public Health, 11(8),
E567-E582.
E567-E582.
(doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(26)00125-8)
(PMID:42480568)
Ewart, Catriona, Shakhshir, Lama A.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5406-7879, Houston, Craig, Canning, Jordan, Greenwood, Sharon
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4143-4430, Mcclelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Langan-Martin, Julie
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464
(2026)
The Peer Support Project: Using Active Learning to Build Community in Postgraduate Education.
Improving University Teaching Conference: Connecting Across Cultures: Collaboration, Compassion, and Creativity, Glasgow, UK, 15-17 July 2026.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2026)
Developing a Career in Digital Mental Health: Lessons From an Early Career Researcher.
10th Suicide and Self-harm Early and Mid-Career Researchers’ Forum (EMCRF26), Glasgow, Scotland, 11-12 June 2026.
Ngoy, Esther and McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2026)
Investigating the association between timing of childhood emotional abuse and neglect and adult social functioning and mental health: a cross-sectional study.
European Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 10(2),
100680.
(doi: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2026.100680)
Zheng, Yawen, Evans, Jonathan J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071, Mcclelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2026)
Factors associated with suicide history and parameters of suicidal ideation: a preliminary investigation of cognitive reactivity and ego depletion.
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 56(3),
e70109.
(doi: 10.1111/sltb.70109)
2025
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2025)
Exploring young people’s experiences of a text-based support service: a qualitative analysis of the support that young people think is important in a suicidal crisis.
Cogent Psychology, 12(1),
2552542.
(doi: 10.1080/23311908.2025.2552542)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2025)
Identifying Gaps and Opportunities in Research.
International Association for Suicide Prevention: Youth Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Special Interest Group Webinar, Online, 12 Nov 2025.
Sharp, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-6141, Langan Martin, Julie
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464 and Mcclelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2025)
Implementing, adapting, and evaluating an open online course to safely foster global understanding of suicide.
Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 13(3),
pp. 112-128.
(doi: 10.56433/mgy2yf47)
Mills, R. et al. (2025) The prosocial phenotype and cooperative health protective behaviors: insights from COVID-19. Health Psychology, (doi: 10.1037/hea0001561) (PMID:41143783) (Early Online Publication)
Gallagher, Kerrie, Phillips, Grace, Corcoran, Paul, Platt, Stephen, McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, O'Driscoll, Michelle and Griffin, Eve
(2025)
The social determinants of suicide: an umbrella review.
Epidemiologic Reviews, 47(1),
mxaf004.
(doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxaf004)
(PMID:40176283)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994, Gibson, Laura and MacIntyre, Donald J.
(2025)
Exploring web-based support for suicidal ideation in the Scottish population: usability study.
JMIR Formative Research, 9,
e55932.
(doi: 10.2196/55932)
(PMID:39854713)
Etherson, M. E. et al. (2025) Exploring risk and protective factors which distinguish suicidal and self-harm behaviours from suicidal and self-harm ideation in young people: a systematic review. PLoS ONE, 20(9), e0326381. (doi: 10.1371/journal. pone.0326381) (PMID:40991674) (PMCID:PMC12459848)
2024
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Sharp, Laura
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-6141 and Langan-Martin, Julie
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464
(2024)
Understanding Suicide and Suicide Prevention Strategies in a Global Context: Lessons from a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) Pan-American Conference 2024, Minneapolis, USA, 19-22 Nov 2024.
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2024)
TV interview: BBC Scotland The Nine.
[Audio]
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, Steve
(2024)
Preventing suicide by hanging and self-poisoning in Scotland: Stage two of the Access to Means study.
Documentation.
Scottish Government.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2024)
How We're Creating Hope [video interview].
Creating Hope Together Conference, Glasgow, Scotland, 7 March 2024.
Kerrie, Gallagher, Grace, Phillips, Paul, Corcoran, Stephen, Platt, Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Michelle, O’Driscoll and Eve, Griffin
(2024)
The social determinants of suicide: an umbrella review.
medRxiv,
(doi: 10.1101/2024.08.09.24311718)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2024)
Surviving Suicidal Thoughts: A Pilot Study Exploring Online Support for Suicidal Ideation in the Scottish Population.
20th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (ESSSB20), Rome, Italy, 28-31 Aug 2024.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2024)
Understanding Help Giving and Help Seeking Behaviours in Scottish Residents when Experiencing Suicidal Ideation: A Rapid Review.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Jamieson, Matthew, Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Goudie, Nicola, McFarlane, Jean, Cullen, Breda
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7259-9505, Lennon, Marilyn, Brewster, Stephen
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9720-3899, Stanley, Bethany
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3299-4014, McConnachie, Alex
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7262-7000 and Evans, Jonathan
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071
(2024)
AppReminders – a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial of a memory aid app for people with acquired brain injury.
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 34(4),
pp. 535-571.
(doi: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2220969)
(PMID:37310032)
Loney, Krystyna J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4900-0751, Mcclelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, O'Connor, Rory
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994 and Platt, Steve
(2024)
A Rapid Review of the Effectiveness of Interventions for Reducing Suicide Risk in Young People Within Different Settings.
Documentation.
National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Loney, Krystyna J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4900-0751 and Platt, Steve
(2024)
Psychological factors associated with suicide attempt and suicide death in Scotland: a systematic review.
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 15,
100711.
(doi: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100711)
2023
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Ross, Kirsty
(2023)
HERStory Makers 2023: Heather Mcclelland.
[Film]
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Cleare, Seonaid
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-9356 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2023)
Suicide risk in personality disorders: a systematic review.
Current Psychiatry Reports, 25(9),
pp. 405-417.
(doi: 10.1007/s11920-023-01440-w)
(PMID:37642809)
(PMCID:PMC10506938)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2023)
The Association of Family, Social and Romantic Loneliness in Relation to Suicidal Ideation and Self-injurious Behaviours.
IASP 32nd World Congress, Piran, Slovenia, 19-23 September 2023.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2023)
Social Determinants Associated With Non-accidental Self-harm. A Rapid Umbrella Review.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Evans, Jonathan J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2023)
The association of family, social and romantic loneliness in relation to suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviours.
Journal of Psychiatric Research, 158,
pp. 330-340.
(doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.022)
(PMID:36638623)
O'Connor, D. B. et al. (2023) Effects of COVID-19-related worry and rumination on mental health and loneliness during the pandemic: longitudinal analyses of adults in the UK COVID-19 mental health & wellbeing study. Journal of Mental Health, 32(6), pp. 1122-1133. (doi: 10.1080/09638237.2022.2069716) (PMID:35579054)
2022
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2022)
World Suicide Prevention Day: Reflections on loneliness and suicide | Campaign to End Loneliness.
[Website]
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, S.
(2022)
Preventing Suicide in Scotland: Stakeholder Feedback Report. Comparisons Between Transgender and Non-Transgender Communities (Action 5 and 6).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2022)
Ep 261: Suicide Research with Heather McClelland. Mental Health Monday [Podcast].
[Audio]
O'Connor, R. C. et al. (2022) SAFETEL: A pilot randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a safety planning and telephone follow-up intervention to reduce suicidal behaviour. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 8, 156. (doi: 10.1186/s40814-022-01081-5) (PMID:35897119) (PMCID:PMC9327159)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Evans, Jonathan J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071 and O'Connor, Rory
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2022)
A qualitative exploration the experiences and perceptions of interpersonal relationships prior to attempting suicide in young adults.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(13),
7880.
(doi: 10.3390/ijerph19137880)
(PMID:35805538)
(PMCID:PMC9266001)
Wetherall, K. et al. (2022) Mental health and well-being during the second wave of COVID-19: longitudinal analyses of the UK COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing study (UK COVID-MH). BJPsych Open, 8(4), e103. (doi: 10.1192/bjo.2022.58) (PMID:35642377) (PMCID:PMC9171032)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Loney, Krystyna
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4900-0751, Etherson, Marianne
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0339-2324 and Platt, Steve
(2022)
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Suicidal and Self-injurious Behaviours in the Scottish Population.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Moore, Fhionna R., Doughty, Heather, Neumann, Tabea, McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Allott, Claire and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2022)
Impulsivity, aggression, and suicide: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
EClinicalMedicine, 45,
101307.
(doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101307)
(PMID:35243273)
(PMCID:PMC8860929)
2021
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2021)
Distinguishing Between Types of Suicidality in Young People and Predicting Escalation of Suicidality in Adulthood (Action 7).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Cleare, Seonaid ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-9356, Sandford, Dave, McClelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Zortea, Tiago C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8451-0555 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2021)
The integrated motivational-volitional (IMV) model and suicide risk in students: the role of perfectionism.
In: Mallon, Sharon and Smith, Jo (eds.)
Preventing and Responding to Student Suicide.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers: London, pp. 138-154.
ISBN 9781787754188
Zortea, T. C. et al. (2021) The impact of infectious disease-related public health emergencies on suicide, suicidal behavior, and suicidal thoughts: a systematic review. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 42(6), pp. 474-487. (doi: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000753) (PMID:33063542)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2021)
Preventative Approaches, Protective Factors and Interventions for the Reduction of Suicide Among Young People.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2021)
An Investigation into Existing Literature Exploring Unique Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts, Self-harm and Suicide in Young Adults. (Action 7).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, S.
(2021)
Exploring Existing Literature Around Social Movements.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Submitted)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Evans, Jonathan J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2021)
Exploring the role of loneliness in relation to self-injurious thoughts and behaviour in the context of the integrated motivational-volitional model.
Journal of Psychiatric Research, 141,
pp. 309-317.
(doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.020)
(PMID:34304034)
O'Connor, R. C. et al. (2021) Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal analyses of adults in the UK COVID-19 Mental Health & Wellbeing study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 218(6), pp. 326-333. (doi: 10.1192/bjp.2020.212) (PMID:33081860) (PMCID:PMC7684009)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, Steve
(2021)
Lived Experience Panel Engagement Report.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, S.
(2021)
Preventing Suicide in Scotland: Stakeholder Feedback Report (Actions 5 and 6).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
2020
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Evans, Jonathan J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071, Nowland, Rebecca, Ferguson, Eamonn and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2020)
Loneliness as a predictor of suicidal ideation and behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.
Journal of Affective Disorders, 274,
pp. 880-896.
(doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.004)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, Steve
(2020)
Exploring Measures for Utilisation by a Suicide Bereavement Service.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Zortea, Tiago
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8451-0555, Platt, S. and O'Connor, Rory
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2020)
Identifying and Facilitating Preventative Actions Targeted at Risk Groups: A Rapid Synthesis of the Scientific Evidence. (Action 7).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2020)
Soundcloud Interview: National Elf Service, Mental Elf.
[Audio]
2019
McClelland, H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Langan-Martin, J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464, Sharp, L.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-6141, Karadzhov, D.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8756-6848 and Cleare, S.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-9356
(2019)
Mental Health, Suicide and Suicide Prevention in a Global Context.
3rd Annual Student’s One Health Conference, Glasgow, UK, 09-10 Nov 2019.
Langan-Martin, Julie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464, Sharp, Laura
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-6141, Karadzhov, Dimitar
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8756-6848, McClelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Cleare, Seonaid
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-9356 and O'Connor, Rory
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2019)
Designing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Understanding Suicide and Suicide Prevention Strategies in a Global Context.
30th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention: Breaking Down Walls and Building Bridges (IASP 2019), Derry, Ireland, 17-21 Sep 2019.
O'Connor, R. C. et al. (2019) SAFETEL randomised controlled feasibility trial of a safety planning intervention with follow-up telephone contact to reduce suicidal behaviour: study protocol. BMJ Open, 9(2), e025591. (doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025591) (PMID:30782938) (PMCID:PMC6377516)
Articles
Altavini, Camila S., Jamieson, Maggie, Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Niederkrotenthaler, Thomas, Sinyor, Mark, Spittal, Matthew J. and Platt, Stephen
(2026)
Evaluating the outcomes of national suicide prevention strategies: evidence and challenges.
Lancet Public Health, 11(8),
E567-E582.
E567-E582.
(doi: 10.1016/S2468-2667(26)00125-8)
(PMID:42480568)
Ngoy, Esther and McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2026)
Investigating the association between timing of childhood emotional abuse and neglect and adult social functioning and mental health: a cross-sectional study.
European Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 10(2),
100680.
(doi: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2026.100680)
Zheng, Yawen, Evans, Jonathan J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071, Mcclelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2026)
Factors associated with suicide history and parameters of suicidal ideation: a preliminary investigation of cognitive reactivity and ego depletion.
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 56(3),
e70109.
(doi: 10.1111/sltb.70109)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2025)
Exploring young people’s experiences of a text-based support service: a qualitative analysis of the support that young people think is important in a suicidal crisis.
Cogent Psychology, 12(1),
2552542.
(doi: 10.1080/23311908.2025.2552542)
Sharp, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-6141, Langan Martin, Julie
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464 and Mcclelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2025)
Implementing, adapting, and evaluating an open online course to safely foster global understanding of suicide.
Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 13(3),
pp. 112-128.
(doi: 10.56433/mgy2yf47)
Mills, R. et al. (2025) The prosocial phenotype and cooperative health protective behaviors: insights from COVID-19. Health Psychology, (doi: 10.1037/hea0001561) (PMID:41143783) (Early Online Publication)
Gallagher, Kerrie, Phillips, Grace, Corcoran, Paul, Platt, Stephen, McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, O'Driscoll, Michelle and Griffin, Eve
(2025)
The social determinants of suicide: an umbrella review.
Epidemiologic Reviews, 47(1),
mxaf004.
(doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxaf004)
(PMID:40176283)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994, Gibson, Laura and MacIntyre, Donald J.
(2025)
Exploring web-based support for suicidal ideation in the Scottish population: usability study.
JMIR Formative Research, 9,
e55932.
(doi: 10.2196/55932)
(PMID:39854713)
Etherson, M. E. et al. (2025) Exploring risk and protective factors which distinguish suicidal and self-harm behaviours from suicidal and self-harm ideation in young people: a systematic review. PLoS ONE, 20(9), e0326381. (doi: 10.1371/journal. pone.0326381) (PMID:40991674) (PMCID:PMC12459848)
Kerrie, Gallagher, Grace, Phillips, Paul, Corcoran, Stephen, Platt, Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Michelle, O’Driscoll and Eve, Griffin
(2024)
The social determinants of suicide: an umbrella review.
medRxiv,
(doi: 10.1101/2024.08.09.24311718)
Jamieson, Matthew, Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Goudie, Nicola, McFarlane, Jean, Cullen, Breda
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7259-9505, Lennon, Marilyn, Brewster, Stephen
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9720-3899, Stanley, Bethany
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3299-4014, McConnachie, Alex
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7262-7000 and Evans, Jonathan
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071
(2024)
AppReminders – a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial of a memory aid app for people with acquired brain injury.
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 34(4),
pp. 535-571.
(doi: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2220969)
(PMID:37310032)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Loney, Krystyna J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4900-0751 and Platt, Steve
(2024)
Psychological factors associated with suicide attempt and suicide death in Scotland: a systematic review.
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 15,
100711.
(doi: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100711)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Cleare, Seonaid
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-9356 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2023)
Suicide risk in personality disorders: a systematic review.
Current Psychiatry Reports, 25(9),
pp. 405-417.
(doi: 10.1007/s11920-023-01440-w)
(PMID:37642809)
(PMCID:PMC10506938)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Evans, Jonathan J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2023)
The association of family, social and romantic loneliness in relation to suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviours.
Journal of Psychiatric Research, 158,
pp. 330-340.
(doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.022)
(PMID:36638623)
O'Connor, D. B. et al. (2023) Effects of COVID-19-related worry and rumination on mental health and loneliness during the pandemic: longitudinal analyses of adults in the UK COVID-19 mental health & wellbeing study. Journal of Mental Health, 32(6), pp. 1122-1133. (doi: 10.1080/09638237.2022.2069716) (PMID:35579054)
O'Connor, R. C. et al. (2022) SAFETEL: A pilot randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a safety planning and telephone follow-up intervention to reduce suicidal behaviour. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 8, 156. (doi: 10.1186/s40814-022-01081-5) (PMID:35897119) (PMCID:PMC9327159)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Evans, Jonathan J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071 and O'Connor, Rory
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2022)
A qualitative exploration the experiences and perceptions of interpersonal relationships prior to attempting suicide in young adults.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(13),
7880.
(doi: 10.3390/ijerph19137880)
(PMID:35805538)
(PMCID:PMC9266001)
Wetherall, K. et al. (2022) Mental health and well-being during the second wave of COVID-19: longitudinal analyses of the UK COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellbeing study (UK COVID-MH). BJPsych Open, 8(4), e103. (doi: 10.1192/bjo.2022.58) (PMID:35642377) (PMCID:PMC9171032)
Moore, Fhionna R., Doughty, Heather, Neumann, Tabea, McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Allott, Claire and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2022)
Impulsivity, aggression, and suicide: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
EClinicalMedicine, 45,
101307.
(doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101307)
(PMID:35243273)
(PMCID:PMC8860929)
Zortea, T. C. et al. (2021) The impact of infectious disease-related public health emergencies on suicide, suicidal behavior, and suicidal thoughts: a systematic review. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 42(6), pp. 474-487. (doi: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000753) (PMID:33063542)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Evans, Jonathan J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2021)
Exploring the role of loneliness in relation to self-injurious thoughts and behaviour in the context of the integrated motivational-volitional model.
Journal of Psychiatric Research, 141,
pp. 309-317.
(doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.020)
(PMID:34304034)
O'Connor, R. C. et al. (2021) Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal analyses of adults in the UK COVID-19 Mental Health & Wellbeing study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 218(6), pp. 326-333. (doi: 10.1192/bjp.2020.212) (PMID:33081860) (PMCID:PMC7684009)
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Evans, Jonathan J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-2071, Nowland, Rebecca, Ferguson, Eamonn and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2020)
Loneliness as a predictor of suicidal ideation and behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.
Journal of Affective Disorders, 274,
pp. 880-896.
(doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.004)
O'Connor, R. C. et al. (2019) SAFETEL randomised controlled feasibility trial of a safety planning intervention with follow-up telephone contact to reduce suicidal behaviour: study protocol. BMJ Open, 9(2), e025591. (doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025591) (PMID:30782938) (PMCID:PMC6377516)
Book Sections
Cleare, Seonaid ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-9356, Sandford, Dave, McClelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Zortea, Tiago C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8451-0555 and O'Connor, Rory C.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2021)
The integrated motivational-volitional (IMV) model and suicide risk in students: the role of perfectionism.
In: Mallon, Sharon and Smith, Jo (eds.)
Preventing and Responding to Student Suicide.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers: London, pp. 138-154.
ISBN 9781787754188
Research Reports or Papers
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, Steve
(2024)
Preventing suicide by hanging and self-poisoning in Scotland: Stage two of the Access to Means study.
Documentation.
Scottish Government.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2024)
Understanding Help Giving and Help Seeking Behaviours in Scottish Residents when Experiencing Suicidal Ideation: A Rapid Review.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Loney, Krystyna J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4900-0751, Mcclelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, O'Connor, Rory
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994 and Platt, Steve
(2024)
A Rapid Review of the Effectiveness of Interventions for Reducing Suicide Risk in Young People Within Different Settings.
Documentation.
National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2023)
Social Determinants Associated With Non-accidental Self-harm. A Rapid Umbrella Review.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, S.
(2022)
Preventing Suicide in Scotland: Stakeholder Feedback Report. Comparisons Between Transgender and Non-Transgender Communities (Action 5 and 6).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Loney, Krystyna
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4900-0751, Etherson, Marianne
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0339-2324 and Platt, Steve
(2022)
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Suicidal and Self-injurious Behaviours in the Scottish Population.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2021)
Distinguishing Between Types of Suicidality in Young People and Predicting Escalation of Suicidality in Adulthood (Action 7).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2021)
Preventative Approaches, Protective Factors and Interventions for the Reduction of Suicide Among Young People.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2021)
An Investigation into Existing Literature Exploring Unique Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts, Self-harm and Suicide in Young Adults. (Action 7).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, S.
(2021)
Exploring Existing Literature Around Social Movements.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Submitted)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, Steve
(2021)
Lived Experience Panel Engagement Report.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, S.
(2021)
Preventing Suicide in Scotland: Stakeholder Feedback Report (Actions 5 and 6).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Platt, Steve
(2020)
Exploring Measures for Utilisation by a Suicide Bereavement Service.
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Zortea, Tiago
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8451-0555, Platt, S. and O'Connor, Rory
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2020)
Identifying and Facilitating Preventative Actions Targeted at Risk Groups: A Rapid Synthesis of the Scientific Evidence. (Action 7).
Documentation.
Unpublished.
(Unpublished)
Conference or Workshop Item
Ewart, Catriona, Shakhshir, Lama A.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5406-7879, Houston, Craig, Canning, Jordan, Greenwood, Sharon
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4143-4430, Mcclelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Langan-Martin, Julie
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464
(2026)
The Peer Support Project: Using Active Learning to Build Community in Postgraduate Education.
Improving University Teaching Conference: Connecting Across Cultures: Collaboration, Compassion, and Creativity, Glasgow, UK, 15-17 July 2026.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2026)
Developing a Career in Digital Mental Health: Lessons From an Early Career Researcher.
10th Suicide and Self-harm Early and Mid-Career Researchers’ Forum (EMCRF26), Glasgow, Scotland, 11-12 June 2026.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2025)
Identifying Gaps and Opportunities in Research.
International Association for Suicide Prevention: Youth Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Special Interest Group Webinar, Online, 12 Nov 2025.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Sharp, Laura
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-6141 and Langan-Martin, Julie
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464
(2024)
Understanding Suicide and Suicide Prevention Strategies in a Global Context: Lessons from a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) Pan-American Conference 2024, Minneapolis, USA, 19-22 Nov 2024.
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2024)
How We're Creating Hope [video interview].
Creating Hope Together Conference, Glasgow, Scotland, 7 March 2024.
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2024)
Surviving Suicidal Thoughts: A Pilot Study Exploring Online Support for Suicidal Ideation in the Scottish Population.
20th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (ESSSB20), Rome, Italy, 28-31 Aug 2024.
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2023)
The Association of Family, Social and Romantic Loneliness in Relation to Suicidal Ideation and Self-injurious Behaviours.
IASP 32nd World Congress, Piran, Slovenia, 19-23 September 2023.
McClelland, H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Langan-Martin, J.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464, Sharp, L.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-6141, Karadzhov, D.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8756-6848 and Cleare, S.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-9356
(2019)
Mental Health, Suicide and Suicide Prevention in a Global Context.
3rd Annual Student’s One Health Conference, Glasgow, UK, 09-10 Nov 2019.
Langan-Martin, Julie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0589-3464, Sharp, Laura
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4496-6141, Karadzhov, Dimitar
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8756-6848, McClelland, Heather
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230, Cleare, Seonaid
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-9356 and O'Connor, Rory
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3650-4994
(2019)
Designing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Understanding Suicide and Suicide Prevention Strategies in a Global Context.
30th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention: Breaking Down Walls and Building Bridges (IASP 2019), Derry, Ireland, 17-21 Sep 2019.
Audio
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2024)
TV interview: BBC Scotland The Nine.
[Audio]
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2022)
Ep 261: Suicide Research with Heather McClelland. Mental Health Monday [Podcast].
[Audio]
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2020)
Soundcloud Interview: National Elf Service, Mental Elf.
[Audio]
Film
Mcclelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230 and Ross, Kirsty
(2023)
HERStory Makers 2023: Heather Mcclelland.
[Film]
Website
McClelland, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2818-5230
(2022)
World Suicide Prevention Day: Reflections on loneliness and suicide | Campaign to End Loneliness.
[Website]
Grants
Grants and Awards listed are those received whilst working with the University of Glasgow.
- CASEY A safety plan assistant for suicidal crisis
Medical Research Council
2025 - 2026
Supervision
While I primarily supervise research projects for doctoral trainee psychologists (not listed below), I welcome inquiries from prospective PhD students. Below is a list of PhD students I currently supervise. If you're interested in studying a PhD under my supervision, please include a research proposal with your expression of interest email [click here for proposal writing guidance ].
Teaching
DClinPsy training program:
Course co-ordinator:
Research Design and Statistics; 2022-present
Research Practice 1; 2024-2025
Research Practice 2; 2025 - present
Lecture topics:
Research design and ethics
Data analysis with mulitple groups and multiple varaibles
Critical appraisal
Preparing for viva
MSc Global Mental Health:
Project supervisor (2021-present)
Professional activities & recognition
Prizes, awards & distinctions
- 2024: Scottish Public Service Awards 2024: Policy into Practice (Scottish Parliament)
- 2024: Mental Health Network Travelling Fellowship (NHS Research Scotland)
- 2022/23: John Robertson Bequest Grant (University of Glasgow Senate)
- 2014/15: Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship (University of Glasgow)
Grant committees & research advisory boards
- 2023 - 2024: Scottish Government, Academic Advisory Board
- 2023 - 2024: Glasgow Association for Mental Health (GAMH), Young Adult Wellbeing Service (YAWS)
- 2018 - 2022: Scottish Government, National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group
Professional & learned societies
- 2023: Chartered Member, British Psychological Society
Selected international presentations
- 2024: 20th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (Rome, Italy)
- 2024: International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) Inaugural Pan-Am Conference (Minneapolis, USA)
- 2023: International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) 32nd World Congress (Piran, Slovenia)
- 2022: 19th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (Copenhagen, Denmark)
- 2021: Seoul Suicide Prevention Symposium (Seoul, South Korea)
- 2019: International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) 31st World Congress (Derry, Northern Ireland)
