Citation

Kruzan KP, Whitlock J. Glob. Qual. Nurs. Res. 2019; 6: e2333393619852935.

Affiliation

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/2333393619852935

PMID

31218241

PMCID

PMC6558546

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a pervasive and potentially lethal behavior that affects many youth and adolescents. Effective treatment and prevention efforts are critical but often lack a nuanced understanding of the behavior change process. To address this gap, this research employs a stage of change model to identify and understand the most salient and widespread processes that facilitate NSSI behavior change. Thirty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with current or past self-injury. Individuals were recruited to represent all stages of change including those who have not thought about changing behavior to those who have been NSSI-free for years. We employ a directed content analysis to code for dimensions derived from the model and an inductive approach to surface more nuanced change levers. Four organizing dimensions emerged: relational, behavioral, self-knowledge, and barriers. Common change levers of value in clinical practice or in intervention modalities are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

behavior change; mental health; recovery; self-injury; stage of change models