@article{ref1,
title="A qualitative study of understanding reasons for self-harm in adolescent girls",
journal="International journal of environmental research and public health",
year="2021",
author="Miller, Michelle and Redley, Marcus and Wilkinson, Paul O.",
volume="18",
number="7",
pages="-",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: Self-harm is an important public health issue in the UK. Young people who self-harm frequently feel misunderstood, and unable to access help. Improving understanding is key to informing the development and delivery of effective treatments and services. <br><br>METHODS: In this qualitative study, we interviewed nine adolescent girls (13-17 years old) with recurrent self-harm, recruited from NHS specialist child and adolescent mental health services. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). <br><br>RESULTS: Findings revealed that self-harm is experienced as powerful mental and physical urges, sated only by self-harming, suggesting that self-harm could be considered a compulsive rather than impulsive disorder, representing a new perspective on the behaviour. Five themes emerged: emotion regulation; an addictive urge; self-harm to survive; interpersonal triggers; interpersonal relationships, not mechanical distractors, reduce self-harm. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence that non-suicidal self-injury may be engaged in to reduce suicidal risk. Seeking the company of helpful friends or family members may reduce the urge to self-harm. Repetitive self-harm may be a compulsive behaviour.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1661-7827",
doi="10.3390/ijerph18073361",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073361"
}