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Countertransference and self-injury: a cognitive behavioural cycle
Gillian C Rayner1, Shelly L Allen, Martin Johnson
1Department of Nursing, Salford University, Frederick Road, Manchester M5 4WT, UK. g.rayner@salford.ac.uk
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|March 25, 2005
Summary
Nurses experiencing negative emotions from self-injuring clients can impact care. Understanding countertransference can improve nurses
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Nursing
- Psychology of Self-Injury
- Healthcare Professional Well-being
Background:
- Self-injury stems from complex emotions like anger, sadness, and fear, often related to feelings of helplessness.
- Self-injury is frequently used as a coping mechanism to regain a sense of control.
- Psychoanalytic and cognitive behavioral theories inform understanding and interventions for self-injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects of self-injury on nurses.
- To illustrate a cycle impacting care provision for individuals who self-injure.
- To highlight the role of countertransference in therapeutic relationships.
Main Methods:
- The study discusses the impact of self-injury on nurses.
- It explores the emotional and cognitive responses of nurses.
- It analyzes the behavioral effects on care provision.
Main Results:
- Nurses' negative emotional responses can negatively influence their perceptions and actions towards clients who self-injure.
- Challenging negative thoughts in nurses during supervision or education can lead to less punitive behaviors.
- Positive nursing behaviors can help mitigate clients' negative self-beliefs.
Conclusions:
- Understanding countertransference is crucial for nurses working with self-injuring individuals.
- Addressing nurses' negative thoughts and behaviors can improve therapeutic relationships and client care outcomes.
- Knowledge of countertransference can lead to more effective and compassionate care for those who self-injure.