Citation

Shaw SN. Women Ther. 2006; 29(1-2): 153-177.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J015v29n01_08

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Based on in-depth interviews, this study utilizes grounded theory, interpretive poetics, and voice-centered analytic methods to investigate how six college women stop self-injuring.

FINDINGS illuminate that this process involves multiple factors beyond whether or not a woman desires to stop. These include: subjective meanings of the behavior, a decrease in psychological catalysts, self-initiative, life engagements, relational ties, professional treatment, disclosure experiences, motivators, and momentum. Treatment implications suggest that a woman's attitude toward stopping may point toward particular interventions.

Keywords

Self-injury; self-mutilation; healing; qualitative methods; cutting; recovery