Citation

Warm A, Murray C, Fox J. Psychol. Health Med. 2003; 8(1): 72-79.

Affiliation

a Liverpool Hope , Liverpool , UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1354850021000059278

PMID

21888490

Abstract

The accuracy of perceptions about self-harm that are presented in the psychological and psychiatric literature was assessed with a sample of self-harmers. A list of 20 statements containing ten myths and ten accurate statements about self-harm behaviour was incorporated into an internet-based questionnaire. Respondents (n = 243) rated their extent of agreement with each statement. Factor analysis confirmed the a priori classification of statements as being accurate. Only one item, regarding the relationship of self-harm to previous sexual abuse, did not confirm a priori classification; this statement was considered by self-harmers to be an accurate perception of self-harm. It was concluded that this questionnaire could be a useful aid for group-work training with professionals who are involved in working with people who engage in self-harm.

Language: en