Citation

Straiton M, Roen K, Dieserud G, Hjelmeland H. Arch. Psychiatr. Nurs. 2013; 27(2): 78-83.

Affiliation

Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: Melanie.Straiton@fhi.no.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apnu.2012.10.008

PMID

23540517

Abstract

This study investigates 122 people's descriptions of their self-harm experiences using thematic analysis. Analysis revealed four themes: What counts as self-harm, What leads to self-harm, Intentions and Managing stigma. Our participants challenged commonly accepted understandings in terms of method, outcome and intentions. Several difficulties associated with discriminating between suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm were highlighted, which may be important in clinical practice. Few participants mentioned diagnosed psychiatric disorders; they best understood self-harm through their social experiences. Focusing on social understandings of self-harm may help reduce associated stigma and barriers to help-seeking.

Language: en