Risk Factors for Self-Harm: Narratives from a Sample of Young People in Northern Ireland

ABSTRACT

Self-harm continues to be a growing concern within adolescence and is a globally recognised public health and social problem. Adolescents living in the community who self-harm are extremely common however less is known about these young people. This study focussed on capturing the voice of young people who engage in cutting behaviour to provide insight into the risks associated with this phenomenon. Single semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 adolescents aged 16–18 years who lived within one Trust area in Northern Ireland. Thematic analysis was applied to the transcribed interviews in which themes emerged. The three subordinate themes of onset, persistence and ending of the behaviour encompassed six sub-themes which were further identified as risk factors for the behaviour. Risk factors identified were: ACE’s, poor relationships and difficulties in support networks, exposure to self-harm, psychological issues, “addiction” to self-harm, concealment of harming behaviour—to control and professional and peer support that helps or hinders. These factors support the current literature base however individual and diverse explanations are highlighted which provide further depth, particularly around the concept of addiction and support that hinders young people. Despite the small nature of the study, recommendations for social work practice, clinical practice and other relevant professional practice as well as future research are considered in view of the findings. Key direction outlines the importance of building trusting relationships, continuity of care and continuing to listen to young people as vital to the helping relationship.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-harm
• adolescence
• risk factors
• social work
• young people
• cutting
• behaviour
• voice of child

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank wholeheartedly the young people who took part in this study for the significant independent contributions they have made and for allowing us to explore their individual experiences of self-harm behaviour. The study could not have been completed without the advocacy and agreement from the Trust who supported the study being conducted.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elaine Pollock

Elaine Pollock is a Senior Social Worker in a Child and Family Team in Children's Services for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. She completed this study as part of an M.Sc. Professional Development in Social Work through the Research and Evaluation Methods Course within Ulster University. She has a keen interest in self-harm and relationship building in Social Work.

Johanna O’Shea

Johanna O’Shea is a Lecturer in Social Work within Ulster University in Northern Ireland. She is the course director for the Research and Evaluation Methods postgraduate course.

Campbell Killick

Dr. Campbell Killick is a lecturer in Social Work within Ulster University in Northern Ireland. He has recently moved from the post of Research Officer within the Training and Development Team in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.