Triggers for self-abuse: a qualitative study

Deliberate acts of self-abuse evoke strong feelings among nurses. The purpose of this research was to describe how self-abusing women in a locked, state psychiatric hospital defined self-abuse in the context of their lives. The social constructionist framework informed the methodology of narrative analysis. Nine women were interviewed over 3 months for a total of 43 interviews. Four themes or linkages were identified: their pleas to be listened to and receive help, specific triggers for self-abusive behavior, the causes of the self-abusive behavior, and how to stop the self-abuse. Specific triggers were identified as well as suggested nursing interventions.