A qualitative analysis of nonsuicidal self-injury lived experience and its functions in adolescent girls living in state care

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a widespread dysregulated behaviour among adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore the NSSI lived experiences of adolescent girls living in state care. A semi-structured interview was conducted and analyzed via interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The inventory of statements about self-injury (ISAS) was filled out by participants to use it as comparative tool to qualitative findings. The two-factor motivational model of NSSI (Klonsky & Glenn, 2009) was the theoretical background. Interviews and questionnaires of six adolescent girls (aged 15−16) were analyzed. The findings from the qualitative analysis highlighted that NSSI has several interpersonal components (e.g. satisfying the need for bonding) and further idiosyncratic elements (e.g. preferred self-injury rituals). Understanding the aspects of NSSI considered as positive by adolescents is essential. When planning treatment, professionals should take into consideration the idiosyncratic meaning of NSSI to understand how it possibly influences the course of NSSI.