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An interpretative phenomenological analysis of young people's self-harm in the context of interpersonal stressors and supports: Parents, peers, and clinical services.
- Source :
-
Social science & medicine (1982) [Soc Sci Med] 2018 Sep; Vol. 212, pp. 120-128. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Jul 19. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Rationale: Self-harm in young people is of significant clinical concern. Multiple psychological, social and clinical factors contribute to self-harm, but it remains a poorly understood phenomenon with limited effective treatment options.<br />Objective: To explore young women's experience of self-harm in the context of interpersonal stressors and supports.<br />Method: Fourteen adolescent females (13-18 years) who had self-harmed in the last six months completed semi-structured interviews about self-harm and supports. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was undertaken.<br />Results: Themes identified were: 1) Arguments and worries about family breakdown; 2) Unhelpful parental response when self-harm discovered and impact on seeking support; 3) Ongoing parental support; 4) Long-term peer victimization/bullying as a backdrop to self-harm; 5) Mutual support and reactive support from friends (and instances of a lack of support); 6) Emotions shaped by others (shame, regret and feeling 'stupid to self-harm'); and 7) 'Empty promises' - feeling personally let down by clinical services. These themes were organised under two broad meta-themes (psychosocial stressors, psychosocial supports). Two additional interconnected meta-themes were identified: Difficulties talking about self-harm and distress; and Impact on help-seeking.<br />Conclusion: Parents and peers play a key role in both precipitating self-harm and in supporting young people who self-harm. The identified themes, and the apparent inter-relationships between them, illustrate the complexity of self-harm experienced in the context of interpersonal difficulties, supports, and emotions. These results have implications for improving support from both informal and clinical sources.<br /> (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1873-5347
- Volume :
- 212
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Social science & medicine (1982)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 30029090
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.07.021