Motivations for adolescent self-harm and the implications for mental health nurses

What is it about?

This paper identifies the reasons for self-harm in a sample of 856 school-based adolescents. We have identified that the most common reason that young people self-harmed was to 'get relief from a terrible state of mind'. Overall, young people engaged in self-harm largely to relieve the distressing emotions they were experiencing.

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Why is it important?

A better understanding of the individualized meaning behind self-harm can positively impact on attitudes and provide for improved mental health service provision. In addition, understanding the personal meaning of the individual's self-harm can better inform sensitive and individualized care planning.