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Citation
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Jayasekera H, Seneviratne KACD, Narammalage HK, Embuldeniya AS, Priyadarshanie JWS, Rosana JAF, Zahriya MRF, Williams SS. Sri Lanka J. Psychiatry 2014; 5(2): 13-18. |
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Abstract
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Background
An understanding of the beliefs that underlie the act of deliberate self harm (DSH) is useful. It may help us implement prevention strategies. The objective of our study was to describe the psychological and spiritual attitudes in persons who engaged in DSH.
Method
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a sample of 295 consecutive patients aged 15 to 65 years, referred to the psychiatric clinic for assessment following an episode of DSH, at a semi-urban base hospital, in the Western province of Sri Lanka. A self- administered questionnaire was designed based on Version 4.4 of the Spirituality and Resilience Assessment of the Institute of Contemplative Education, Massachusetts and adapted to suit the Sri Lankan cultural context for data collection. Informed written consent from the participants and ethical approval for the study was obtained.
Results
Almost all the persons felt that their life was precious to them (89%). Most felt satisfaction with their life (85%). A large proportion also had people they could access for emotional support (86%). Up to 85% denied it was a cry for help or a means of seeking attention. Interestingly, the majority indicated they never used aggression (80%), alcohol (76%) or suicidal acts (64%) as a coping strategy. More females used religious activities in coping than males (p = 0.016) and never used alcohol (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in coping strategies between different age groups.
Conclusion
Despite having a positive attitude to life the study participants had carried out an act of DSH. The DSH is in dissonance with their core beliefs. DSH prevention strategies should focus on behavioural coping skills that could prevent these impulsive acts.
Key words: suicide, deliberate self-harm, spirituality, attitude, Sri Lanka
Language: en |