Understanding the self-harm of others
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding experiences of the self-harm of others: A qualitative exploration of the views of young people with complex mental health needs
IRAS ID
180993
Contact name
Claire Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Self-harm by young people is an area that requires more research in order to effectively direct treatment and resources. Relatively little is known about why young people start self-harming and what factors may be associated with engagement in self-harm over time (Hasking, Andrews & Martin, 2013). Emerging research, however, has suggested that peer influence may aid understanding around these issues.
Numerous studies have shown that young people reporting self-harm know more friends who self-injure relative to those not reporting this behaviour (Claes, Houben, Vandereycken, Bijttebier & Muehlenkamp, 2010). There is also concern that adolescents exposed to others self-harm will then be at risk of self-harming themselves (Robins & Conroy, 1983; Gould, Wallenstein & Kleinman, 1990; Taiminen et al., 1998).
Self-harm is of particular concern in residential settings, where its incidence is higher than elsewhere (Apter & Freudenstein, 2000). Within tier 4 inpatient settings, the present research aims to explore using a qualitative interview-based methodology, adolescents’ experiences of others’ self-harm (including peers, parents and adults) and the impact that exposure to self-harm can have upon young people. Such information may help to increase understanding of the potential impact that experiencing the self-harm of others may have on adolescents and help inform prevention and early intervention programmes for self-harm.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0515
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion