Citation

Nielsen E, Townsend E. Arch. Suicide Res. 2018; 22(3): 479-495.

Affiliation

a Self-Harm Research Group, School of Psychology , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2017.1358223

PMID

28980884

Abstract

We investigated public perceptions of, and responses to, adolescent self-harm - an under-researched topic, given that the majority of self-harm in this group is not disclosed to formal support services. Participants (N = 355, aged 18-67 years) were presented with one of ten vignettes and completed self-report measures assessing perceived motivations for self-harm and helping/rejecting responses. Vignettes were manipulated across conditions for stated motivation, controllability of stated cause and presentation format.

RESULTS indicate that stated motivation for self-harm, controllability of stated cause and presentation format effect perceived motivations. Further, participants demonstrate an understanding of the complex nature of self-harm, indicating an appreciation that an individual may hold multiple motivations simultaneously. Perceived motivations for self-harm are associated with the endorsement of helping/rejecting behaviours. These relationships are important to explore, given the critical importance of initial responses to self-harm on subsequent disclosures and help-seeking.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescents; motivation; non-suicidal self-injury; self-harm; suicide