Citation

Gibson R, Carson J, Houghton T. Br. J. Nurs. 2019; 28(5): 307-312.

Affiliation

Head of Centre for Nursing, University of Bolton.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Mark Allen Publishing)

DOI

10.12968/bjon.2019.28.5.307

PMID

30907659

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: health professionals' attitudes towards self-harming behaviour are predominantly negative. Research examining educational interventions to change negative attitudes is limited. AIMS:: this study aimed to provide an educational intervention for student nurses to change negative attitudes around self-harm.

METHODS:: attitudes around self-harm and mental health in general were assessed through the Self-Harm Antipathy Scale and the Mental Health Attitude Scale. Fifty-five adult nursing students took part in the 45-minute intervention. This included facts and figures, celebrity stories and personal stories regarding self-harm, all intended to increase understanding.

FINDINGS:: after the intervention, attitudes measured by the Self-Harm Antipathy Scale had improved significantly.

CONCLUSION:: patients who self-harm will without doubt continue to experience negative attitudes from health professionals. This study shows an educational intervention can change attitudes towards those who self-harm.

Language: en

Keywords

Attitudes; Education; Mental health stigma; Self-harm