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Published on: May 14, 2018
Patients with anorexia nervosa who self-injure: a phenomenological study
Suzanne Verschueren1, Tamara Berends, Nienke Kool-Goudzwaard
1Research Group Mental Health Nursing/Cluster Nursing, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam School of Health Professions, Amsterdam University of Applied Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Purpose:
This study investigates self-injury from the perspective of patients with anorexia nervosa.
Design And Methods:
A phenomenological design was used. Twelve patients participated. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide.
Findings:
Participants display self-injurious behavior predominantly in situations when they are forced to eat. They are terrified of gaining weight and use self-injurious behavior to cope with their anxiety. Self-injury is envisioned as a technique to regain control of their own eating pattern without bothering anyone. They feel shame for not controlling their emotions more constructively.
Practice Implications:
Healthcare professionals should systematically observe signals and explore less harmful strategies that help to regulate overwhelming feelings.
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