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Supporting young people who repeatedly self-harm.
Pamela Storey1, Jane Hurry, Sharon Jowitt
1Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London, 27-28 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AA, England. p.storey@ioe.ac.uk
The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health
|April 12, 2005
Summary
Young individuals intentionally harming themselves often feel unheard by healthcare professionals. Improved interventions are needed to prevent repeated self-harm in adolescents and young adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Self-harm is a significant concern among young people, necessitating research into their experiences with healthcare services.
- Understanding the perspectives of adolescents and young adults presenting to accident and emergency (A&E) departments after self-harm is crucial for effective intervention.
- A subset of young people with a history of self-harm predating age 16, including those in care, require specific attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the views and experiences of young people (aged 16-22) who presented to A&E departments after intentional self-harm.
- To investigate the perspectives of a subgroup with a history of self-harm extending from before age 16, including those with experience in the care system.
- To identify perceived shortcomings in healthcare interventions for young people who self-harm.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews were conducted with 74 young people aged 16-22 who presented to A&E after intentional self-harm.
- A specific focus was placed on a subgroup of 38 individuals with a history of self-harm behavior from before age 16.
- Data explored participants' interactions with healthcare professionals and their perceptions of treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Some young people concealed their self-harm, receiving no professional help until adulthood.
- Existing treatments, including medication, were perceived as inadequate or dismissive ('fobbing off') by some participants.
- Participants reported experiences with counselors and clinicians who they felt did not understand or listen to their perspectives.
Conclusions:
- The experiences of young people presenting with self-harm highlight potential gaps in current healthcare provision.
- Interventions need to be more attuned to the perspectives and needs of young individuals to prevent repeated self-harm.
- Further research and service development are warranted to improve the effectiveness of support for adolescents and young adults engaging in self-harm.