Citation

Harris J. Qual. Health Res. 2000; 10(2): 164-173.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/104973200129118345

PMID

10788281

Abstract

The practice of self-harm is increasing in the United Kingdom, accounting for the highest number of acute medical admissions for women. The medical and nursing response to repeaters, set within a climate of dwindling emergency and accident resources, has been one of impatience, frustration, and hostile care. The author undertook a correspondence study with 6 women who regularly self-harmed. The women claimed that medical and nursing professionals viewed their self-harm as irrational and illogical. However, a qualitative examination of the motivations and interests of all parties reveals that self-harm acts possess situated internal logic, whereas professionals tend to use rational logic in attempting to understand them.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Female; United Kingdom; Stress, Psychological; Self-Injurious Behavior/*psychology; Rationalization