Citation

Buckmaster R, McNulty M, Guerin S. Ir. J. Psychol. Med. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Irish Institute of Psychological Medicine)

DOI

10.1017/ipm.2021.59

PMID

34602119

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to explore how adults who self-harm experience family relationships.

METHODS: A phenomenological design was employed to examine the dynamic relationship between self-harm and family systems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six female adults who attend a community mental health service and engage in self-harm. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

RESULTS: Four superordinate themes emerged from the data and two subordinate themes emerged within each superordinate theme: family interactive patterns (subordinate themes: enmeshed patterns and culture of 'getting on with it'), searching for meaning (subordinate themes: expressing emotional turmoil and engrained worthlessness), relating to others (subordinate themes: guilt and feeling misunderstood) and journey towards life without self-harm (subordinate themes: acceptance and family support).

CONCLUSIONS: Findings emphasise the role of family systems in understanding self-harm in adults. The study highlights the need for family-based interventions for family members who support adults that self-harm.

Language: en

Keywords

self-harm; family dynamics; family relationships; family systems; interpretative phenomenological analysis; self-harming behaviours; self-injury