A family life cycle perspective on deliberate self-harm among adolescents: an initial qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH) among adolescents is a frequent reason for Emergency Department admissions. Many studies that have considered the risk factors for DSH, mainly from a psychiatric standpoint. However, looking at it from a family life cycle perspective is also important. This study discusses the contribution of systemic themes such as differentiation of self to events leading up to DSH. Of the 24 adolescents presenting with first time DSH without any psychiatric disorder in a 12-month period, 16 were triggered by conflicts with parents and 8 due to conflicts with romantic partners. A struggle with differentiation of self was the major systemic theme. Brief intervention strategies that consider these systemic issues and help both the adolescent and the family are likely to be of benefit.

KEYWORDS:

• Deliberate self harm
• adolescents
• differentiation of self
• family life cycle

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Udena Ruwindu Attygalle

Dr Udena Attygalle is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist by profession, and has a keen interest in family therapy having followed a two year graduate diploma whilst in Australia.