A transitional object for relatedness and self‐development—A meta‐synthesis of youths' experience of engagement in self‐harm content online

Bibliographic Data

ID12569573
AuthorsLine Indrevoll Stänicke (0000-0001-7522-8307, Department of Psychology University of Oslo Oslo Norway, corresponding author), Marte Hjertås Hermansen (Department of Psychology University of Oslo Oslo Norway), Margrethe Seeger Halvorsen (0000-0003-2391-7594, Department of Psychology University of Oslo Oslo Norway)
Year2023
Volume29
Issue1
Pages270-286
Publication date2023-06-28
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChild & Family Social Work (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1356-7500 • E-ISSN: 1365-2206
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/cfs.13058
OpenAlexW4382358623
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited43

Studies report an increase in self‐harm, and engagement in risk content online has gained growing attention. This study aims to synthesize qualitative studies on youths' (12–25 years of age) engagement in self‐harm content online (SCO). We conducted a systematic database search of studies on first‐person experience and included 16 studies. The meta‐synthesis resulted in two meta‐themes: 1) “Belonging to a community – online engagement with peers who self‐harm” and 2) “Self‐development – online engagement to get to know myself”. Following Winnicott's (1953) thinking, digital activity is discussed as an extended peer arena with a “transitional” quality – neither completely internal, nor external, and potentially bridging an inner and outer world. Engagement in SCO is discussed as a transitional object or activity that enables relatedness and self‐definition – important developmental experiences for the exploration of social roles, borders between self and others and self‐identity during adolescence. However, engagement in SCO comes with a risk for deterioration of mental health. Clinicians should ask directly about digital activity and meet those engaged in digital risks with respect

Harm · Identity (music · Mental health · Object (grammar · Psychotherapist · Computer Science · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology · Social Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

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