METHOD
Search Strategy
Our aim in integrating both quantitative and qualitative
research findings was to maximize the empirical content
by adopting a pluralistic approach to data collection
and analysis (Feyerabend, 1995). According to Malterud
(2002), both types of approaches require systematic
and reflective development of new knowledge and each
process is subject to inspection and challenge. Firstly, a
broad search of Google Scholar was conducted using the
keywords attempted suicide (and) elderly from 1990–2014.
This preliminary search revealed 33 published research
studies within the first 150 citations, providing the researchers
with a broad scoping of the field. Regarding the
nomenclature used to identify relevant studies, there
has been a significant lack of consistency in the terminology
and definitions adopted which describe suicidal
behaviour over the last twenty years. The use of multiple
terms to indicate similar behaviour such as ‘parasuicide’,
‘attempted suicide’ and ‘deliberate self-harm’ has resulted
in confusion, although renewed international debate
to address these issues is in progress (Arensman, 2015).
Secondly, we conducted an exhaustive search of the database