An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of self-harm repetition and recovery in young adults

Wadman, Ruth; Clarke, David; Sayal, Kapil; Vostanis, Panos; Armstrong, Marie; Harroe, Caroline; Majumder, Pallab; Townsend, Ellen

Abstract

Six young adults (19–21) with repeat self-harm for over five years were interviewed about their self-harm, why they continued and what factors might help them to stop. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis identified six themes: Keeping self-harm private and hidden; Self-harm as self-punishment; Self-harm provides relief and comfort; Habituation and escalation of self-harm; Emotional gains and practical costs of cutting; Not believing they will stop completely. Young adults presented self-harm as an ingrained and purposeful behaviour which they could not stop, despite the costs and risks in early adulthood. Support strategies focused on coping skills, not just eradicating self-harm, are required.

Citation

Wadman, R., Clarke, D., Sayal, K., Vostanis, P., Armstrong, M., Harroe, C., …Townsend, E. (2016). An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of self-harm repetition and recovery in young adults. Journal of Health Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316631405

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Mar 6, 2016
• Deposit Date: Mar 15, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Health Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1359-1053
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7277
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316631405
• Keywords: Self-Harm, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), Young Adults, Qualitative Methods
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/781313
• Publisher URL: http://hpq.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/03/05/1359105316631405