Citation

Frost M, Casey L, Rando N. Crisis 2015; 37(1): 68-76.

Affiliation

School of Applied Psychology, Mt. Gravatt Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Publisher Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/0227-5910/a000346

PMID

26572908

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although increasing numbers of young people are seeking help online for self-injury, relatively little is known about their online help-seeking preferences. AIMS: To investigate the perspectives of young people who self-injure regarding online services, with the aim of informing online service delivery.

METHOD: A mixed-methods exploratory analysis regarding the perspectives of a subsample of young people who reported a history of self-injury and responded to questions regarding preferences for future online help-seeking (N = 457). The sample was identified as part of a larger study (N = 1,463) exploring self-injury and help-seeking.

RESULTS: Seven themes emerged in relation to preferences for future online help-seeking: information, guidance, reduced isolation, online culture, facilitation of help-seeking, access, and privacy. Direct contact with a professional via instant messaging was the most highly endorsed form of online support.

CONCLUSION: Young people expressed clear preferences regarding online services for self-injury, supporting the importance of consumer consultation in development of online services.

Language: en