Public Perceptions of Self-Harm: Perceived Motivations of (and Willingness to Help in Response to) Adolescent Self-Harm

Abstract

We investigated public perceptions of, and responses to, adolescent self-harm—an under-researched topic, given that the majority of self-harm in this group is not disclosed to formal support services. Participants (N = 355, aged 18–67 years) were presented with 1 of 10 vignettes and completed self-report measures assessing perceived motivations for self-harm and helping/rejecting responses. Vignettes were manipulated across conditions for stated motivation, controllability of stated cause, and presentation format. Results indicate that stated motivation for self-harm, controllability of stated cause, and presentation format affect perceived motivations. Further, participants demonstrate an understanding of the complex nature of self-harm, indicating an appreciation that an individual may hold multiple motivations simultaneously. Perceived motivations for self-harm are associated with the endorsement of helping/rejecting behaviors. These relationships are important to explore, given the critical importance of initial responses to self-harm on subsequent disclosures and help-seeking.