Citation

Kendall N, MacDonald C, Binnie J. Ment. Health Rev. J. (Brighton) 2021; 26(3): 258-278.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Emerald Group Publishing)

DOI

10.1108/MHRJ-06-2020-0041

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE This paper aims to explore the experience of living with scars from self-injury; how people who self-injure (SI) make meaning of their scars and how these scars are a part of the identity construction process.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH It is observed that 60 entries, from 25 online narrative blogs detailing the experience of living with self-injury scars, were analyzed using a contextualized thematic analysis informed by an embodied perspective.

FINDINGS The analysis generated two dominant themes: temporal aspects of identity; and social stigma and scars.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE Far-reaching consequences of self-injury scars on the daily lives of people who SI was found. This included a person's posture, clothing, choices of career, inclusion in family life, leisure activities and relationships; all of which have corollaries in emotional and psychological well-being. Scars were found to be self-narrative with particular salience given to how scars represented healing. Novel findings included the central role scars played in the resistance of self-injury stigma.

Language: en

Keywords

Online; Qualitative; Scars; Self-injury