Medical Students' Attitudes toward Self-harm, and Curricular Influences on Attitude Development
Adam B Joiner1, Christina Kaewchaluay2
1Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Chorley, Lancashire, UK. adam.joiner@lscft.nhs.uk.
Summary
Medical students show mixed attitudes toward self-harm. The hidden curriculum, not formal education, shapes these views, often leading to negative perceptions of self-harm importance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Medical student attitudes toward self-harm are crucial for effective patient care.
- Understanding the influence of the medical curriculum on these attitudes is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore attitudes of first and final-year medical students toward self-harm.
- To examine how the medical curriculum influences the development of these attitudes.
Main Methods:
- Six focus groups were conducted with 21 medical students.
- Thematic framework analysis was employed to identify key themes in student responses.
Main Results:
- Students exhibited both positive and negative attitudes toward self-harm.
- The formal curriculum offered minimal exposure; the informal/hidden curriculum exposed students to negative attitudes from healthcare professionals.
- Students perceived self-harm as less important than other subjects and were discouraged from engaging with patients who self-harm.
Conclusions:
- The medical curriculum, particularly the hidden curriculum, significantly influences the development of negative attitudes toward self-harm.
- Interacting with individuals who self-harm and debriefing resulting emotions could foster more positive attitudes.
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