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On the Creative Edge: Exploring Motivations for Creating Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Content Online
Yukari Seko1, Sean A Kidd2, David Wiljer2
1University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada yseko@uoguelph.ca.
Qualitative Health Research
|February 10, 2015
Summary
Individuals create and share Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) content online for self-expression and social connection. This content can both trigger and deter NSSI behaviors, highlighting its complex impact.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Media Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- Exponential growth in user-generated online content depicting Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI).
- Public concern regarding potential health risks associated with NSSI content visibility.
- Limited research on motivations behind NSSI content creation and dissemination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the underlying motivations for individuals creating and publishing NSSI content online.
- To explore the dual impact of NSSI content on NSSI behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of online interviews.
- Thematic analysis of narratives from 17 individuals who produce NSSI content.
Main Results:
- Two primary motivation categories identified: self-oriented (self-expression, creativity, reflection, urge mitigation) and social (peer support, community seeking, awareness raising).
- NSSI content reported to have a double-edged impact, acting as both a trigger and a deterrent to NSSI.
Conclusions:
- Understanding motivations for NSSI content creation is crucial for addressing its public health implications.
- The dual impact of NSSI content necessitates nuanced approaches in online mental health interventions and content moderation.
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