Developing a Text Messaging Intervention to Reduce Deliberate Self-Harm in Chinese Adolescents: Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Adolescent mental health
• Digital health interventions
• Psychosocial interventions

Background:

• Deliberate self-harm is prevalent in adolescence, posing significant risks to well-being.
• Engaging adolescents in traditional psychotherapy for self-harm can be challenging.
• SMS text messaging offers a promising, low-intensity approach for interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Chinese adolescents' views on SMS text messaging interventions for deliberate self-harm.
• To inform the development of a culturally sensitive and acceptable intervention.
• To address barriers in accessing traditional mental health services.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semistructured interviews with 23 adolescents experiencing deliberate self-harm.
• Employed thematic analysis to interpret interview transcripts.
• Focused on understanding participant perspectives on SMS interventions.

Main Results:

• Adolescents generally perceived SMS interventions positively.
• Key content preferences included encouragement, companionship, and coping strategies.
• Preferred message frequency, duration, and timing were identified.

Conclusions:

• Findings facilitate the creation of a culturally appropriate SMS intervention for adolescent self-harm.
• This approach can decrease self-harm by offering accessible support to reluctant individuals.
• SMS interventions may bridge the gap for adolescents hesitant to engage in face-to-face therapy.