Exploring Support Preferences for Young Women Who Self-Harm

A Qualitative Study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15473252
AutoresDemee Rheinberger (0000-0002-4493-8565, Black Dog Institute, autor de correspondencia), Smrithi Ravindra (0000-0001-7551-8179, Black Dog Institute), Aimy Slade (0000-0001-5368-1792, Black Dog Institute), Alison L Calear (0000-0002-7028-725X, Australian National University), Amy Wang (0000-0001-8492-2325, University of Technology Sydney), Brittany Bunyan (0009-0008-9262-3534, University of Technology Sydney), Hans Christensen (0000-0003-0435-2065, Black Dog Institute), Isabel Mahony (University of Technology Sydney), Isabella Gilbert (University of Technology Sydney), Katherine Boydell (0000-0002-1464-8532, Black Dog Institute), Lorna Hankin (University of Technology Sydney), Samantha Tang (0000-0001-5178-3816, Black Dog Institute)
Año2025
Volumen22
Número4
Páginas587-587
Fecha de publicación2025-04-09
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22040587
PMID40283811
OpenAlexW4409335619
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas55

Rates of self-harm among young women have been increasing in recent years across multiple high-income nations. Given the negative outcomes associated with self-harm, it is essential that young women who engage in self-harm receive the support that best addresses their specific needs. The aim of the current study is to explore support preferences among Australian young women with a history of self-harm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 young women ( M = 20.9, SD = 2.1) with a history of self-harm, recruited through social media posts. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach. Thematic analysis of the data identified themes pertaining to the following: (1) the types of support young women want around self-harm, and (2) how young women would like to receive support for self-harm. Regarding the former, participants expressed wanting information about self-harm and self-harm interventions, education about self-harm for those around them, age-specific mental health education, and alternative coping strategies. Some participants expressed not wanting any support. Regarding the latter, participants wanted self-harm information to be provided by health professionals and in school settings, and preferred for information to be provided in written or digital forms. The findings highlight the need to improve access to formal mental health support among young women, the importance of young people being able to access support confidentially, and the need for young peoples' caregivers and health professionals to be educated about self-harm. Additionally, the findings support a role for schools in providing information about mental health and available support

Coping (psychology · Developmental psychology · Harm · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Young adult · Clinical Psychology · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology · Social Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies