Strong Fears, Weak Ties, and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Medical Inquiries About Injury, Wound, and Scar Care from a Self-Harm Subreddit

Bibliographic Data

ID21616333
AuthorsLindsay A Lundeen (0009-0002-7085-7918, University of Arkansas, corresponding author), Lizy Humphrey (0009-0002-8773-5335, University of Arkansas), Amanda Sams Bradshaw (0000-0002-0877-9667, University of Mississippi)
Year2025
Volume40
Issue12
Pages2445-2457
Publication date2025-10-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1041-0236 • E-ISSN: 1532-7027
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10410236.2025.2462063
PMID39935039
OpenAlexW4407421754
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited66

Through the theoretical lens of the Strength of Weak Ties Theory, this study examined medical advice sought within a self-harm subreddit. Using a social constructionist epistemology and employing a Reflexive Thematic Analysis, we explored 596 inquiries for medical advice about nonsuicidal self-injury-related injuries, wounds, and scar care. Five overarching themes were identified: (a) pleading for wound care help from weak-ties, (b) expressing fear of hospitalization deterring requests to strong-ties, (c) seeking validation for harm-reduction from weak-ties (d) asking weak-ties how to navigate unexpected outcomes, and (e) requesting help from weak-ties to conceal wounds, injuries, and scars from strong-ties. Our findings align with previous research by describing Reddit as a valuable resource when strong-ties are inaccessible or unapproachable. They extend the existing literature by highlighting users' frequently asserted preference for online medical inquiries due to stigma and involuntary hospitalization fears often associated with medical and mental health providers. We discuss the need for injury and wound care best practices in accessible spaces while offering theoretical and practical implications for key stakeholders. Given the frequent spread of mis/disinformation on user-generated social networks, we also emphasize the importance of users' verifying the accuracy of medical advice received before implementing suggestions received online from anonymous weak ties connections. Ultimately, this study highlights the nuances between online medical inquiries, social support, and barriers to accessible and empathetic healthcare for individuals engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury

Harm · Health care · Injury prevention · Intensive care medicine · Medical emergency · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Suicide prevention · Wound care · Gun Ownership and Violence Research · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Psychology · Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments · Social Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

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