TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - A qualitative study of understanding reasons for self-harm in adolescent girls
JO  - International journal of environmental research and public health
A1  - Miller, Michelle
A1  - Redley, Marcus
A1  - Wilkinson, Paul O.
SP  - 
EP  - 
VL  - 18
IS  - 7
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1661-7827
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073361
ID  - ref1
ER  -