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Martin F, Ferrey A, Hobbs L, Lascelles K, van Even S, Oliver T. Understanding the impact of children's and young people's self-harm on parental well-being: a systematic literature review of qualitative and quantitative findings. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2024. [PMID: 38362819 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm in children and young people is increasing. Parents are vital in supporting young people; however, parents may experience distress linked to the self-harm. Previous reviews have highlighted the emotional impact and need for information and support, however, have not elucidated the relationships between these themes, nor examined the quantitative data examining parents' well-being. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods review, with qualitative meta-synthesis focusing on links between themes and quantitative synthesis of parental well-being findings, including pooled means. PsycInfo, Medline, EMBASE, AMED, CINHAL and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant records. References of included studies were also searched. Every abstract was screened by two authors. Data were extracted by one author and checked by another. RESULTS We identified 39 reports of 32 studies: 16 with qualitative data and 17 with quantitative data (one had both). Qualitative findings showed how parents' emotions were associated to their knowledge and beliefs about self-harm. Parents' emotions often evidenced the need to self-care, but emotions of guilt reduced engagement in self-care. How parents supported their young person was linked to their knowledge, and the management of their own emotions, and influenced if they could engage in self-care. Quantitative findings were mixed, however suggested poor general mental health amongst these parents. CONCLUSIONS Further good quality quantitative studies are needed, with measurement of psychological mechanisms that may underpin parental distress. Current evidence supports peer-support and interventions that go beyond information provision to address the connected factors of knowledge, emotion, self-care, and parenting behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Martin
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anne Ferrey
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura Hobbs
- School of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas Oliver
- School of Social Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
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Tan RHS, Shahwan S, Zhang Y, Sambasivam R, Ong SH, Subramaniam M. How do professionals and non-professionals respond to non-suicidal self-injury? Lived experiences of psychiatric outpatients in Singapore. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:14. [PMID: 38178150 PMCID: PMC10768356 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01512-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For young people who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), receiving negative responses to their NSSI can pose a barrier to future help-seeking. This qualitative study aimed to explore helpful and unhelpful ways in which professionals and non-professionals respond to NSSI, from the perspectives of individuals with lived experiences of NSSI. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 outpatients (6 males, 14 females) aged 17 to 29 years from a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore, who had reported engaging in NSSI behavior in an earlier study. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes in the data. RESULTS Professionals' responses were organized into three main themes: 'prescribing solutions without understanding needs', 'disapproval or judgment', and 'helpful responses'. Non-professionals' responses were organized into four main themes: 'emotionally charged responses', 'avoidance and inaction', 'poor understanding of reasons for NSSI', and 'providing tangible support and acknowledging NSSI'. Participants also described how unhelpful responses negatively impacted their willingness to seek help. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide a better understanding of responses to NSSI that are considered helpful and unhelpful, and can be used to improve existing guidelines on responding to NSSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hsiao Shen Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Yunjue Zhang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Rajeswari Sambasivam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Say How Ong
- Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Qin Y, Wu D, Liu J, Peng J, Li C. Perspectives of parents of adolescents with repeated non-suicidal self-injury on sharing their caretaking experiences with peers: a qualitative study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1237436. [PMID: 38148747 PMCID: PMC10750419 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1237436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents has increased over the years. Most parents, however, are poorly informed and confused about this behavior. Sharing caretaking experiences with parents in similar situations seems to be beneficial. Nevertheless, few researchers have explored the views of parents who share their caretaking experiences with peers. Aim This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of parents of adolescents with repeated non-suicidal self-injury on sharing their caretaking experiences with peers as well as the motivations for and barriers to this behavior. Methods This qualitative study adopted a purposive sampling method. Participants (16 mothers and 2 fathers) were recruited from the mental health center of a tertiary hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. A total of 18 semistructured face-to-face individual interviews were conducted. All interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed thematically using NVivo 11. Results Three themes and nine subthemes were identified: (1) sharable caretaking experiences: reflection and transformation, self-emotional management, and diversified support; (2) motivations for sharing: empathy, reciprocity, and meaning; and (3) barriers to sharing: inadequate knowledge, low self-identity, and concerns for children. Conclusion Parents accumulate a wealth of experience during their long-term care of adolescents with repeated non-suicidal self-injury. Although most parents are willing to share their caretaking experiences with peers, there are several barriers. Therefore, in order to increase parents' motivation to share, psychological education is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qin
- School of Nursing, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Chongqing Mental Health Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongmei Wu
- Department of Nursing, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- School of Nursing, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jianyan Peng
- Department of Nursing, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunya Li
- Department of Nursing, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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French Á, Gaynor K, Nearchou F, Raftery S, O'Dwyer B, Hennessy E. Parents' Information Needs in Relation to Adolescent Self-Harm: Perspectives of Parents and Professionals. Arch Suicide Res 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37950673 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2023.2279524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Discovering that an adolescent is self-harming is extremely distressing for parents and this distress can be compounded by lack of easily accessible and well targeted information on what they can do to help. Some research has even suggested that parental distress can be an obstacle to seeking professional help. This paper describes two studies that sought to identify the information needs of parents in the immediacy of discovering self-harm and in ongoing efforts to support their child. METHOD Study 1: on-line survey of 128 parents who had experienced their child's self-harm; study 2: two-round Delphi method with 29 professionals who provide therapeutic interventions to adolescents who self-harm. The primary aim of both studies was to elicit views on parents' information needs in relation to supporting adolescents who self-harm. RESULTS There was a high level of agreement between parents and professionals on the needs for information on topics such as: communication, psychoeducation, managing emotional responses, parenting strategies and interventions. The professionals also emphasized the need for parents to practice self-care and the value of teaching alternative coping strategies to adolescents. Parents placed greater emphasis than professionals on the need for information on future therapeutic needs. CONCLUSION Despite the agreement between parents and professionals on most of the information needed, there were sufficient differences in emphasis to confirm the importance of consulting with both groups. The findings can be used to develop information sources that are specifically tailored to the needs of parents at all stages of adolescent self-harm.
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Pitkänen J, Remes H, Aaltonen M, Martikainen P. Moderating role of sociodemographic factors in parental psychiatric treatment before and after offspring severe self-harm. J Affect Disord 2023; 327:145-154. [PMID: 36758868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental psychiatric disorders are known risk factors for adolescent self-harm. Although this association is likely to have a bidirectional element, evidence on changes in parental psychiatric treatment following offspring self-harm is scarce. METHODS Finnish children born in 1987-1996 with a hospital-treated episode of self-harm between the ages 13 and 19 years (N = 3636) were identified using administrative register data, and their biological mothers (N = 3432) and fathers (N = 3167) were followed two years before and after the episode. Data on purchases of psychotropic medication, specialized psychiatric treatment and psychiatric sickness allowances were used to examine psychiatric treatment among parents. Differences by parental education, employment and living arrangements were assessed, and offspring self-harm was compared with offspring accidental poisonings and traffic accidents. RESULTS Psychiatric treatment peaked among mothers during the three-month period after offspring self-harm, after which the treatment prevalence decreased but remained slightly elevated relative to the time preceding offspring self-harm. Higher levels of education and being employed increased the likelihood of treatment right after the episode. Among fathers, changes in treatment were negligible. Treatment trajectories around the comparison events of accidents were similar in shape but more muted than among the parents whose children had self-harmed. LIMITATIONS General practitioner visits or other data from primary health care were not available. CONCLUSION Mothers receive increased psychiatric treatment after stressful offspring events. Our results indicate that prevention of self-harm and accidents would be beneficial not only for those directly concerned but also for their family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonas Pitkänen
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland; International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health and Data Science, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Hanna Remes
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Aaltonen
- Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Law School, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Pekka Martikainen
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland; Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany; Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden
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Zhao YL, Liu ZH, Li YY, Liu DL, Yi JN. The lived experiences of parents providing care to young people who self-harm: A meta-aggregative synthesis of qualitative studies. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:402-419. [PMID: 36408959 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Self-harm, which affects the whole family system, is an international public health concern. Empirical evidence supports the efficacy of interventions incorporating a family/parent training component for self-injurious thoughts and behaviours, and a quantitative synthesis of these empirical studies has been undertaken and updated. A qualitative synthesis of the experiences of parents whose child self-harms remains limited. This report aimed to systematically review qualitative research about the experiences, preferences, and expectations of parents whose children self-harmed. A comprehensive search was conducted across ten databases and four grey literature sources, along with the manual search of reference lists and relevant websites. Study screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal were all performed by two independent researchers. Twenty-four articles, two of which were mixed-methods studies, were included and analysed using a meta-aggregation approach. Five synthesized findings were identified: initial negative reactions to the discovery of their child's self-harm, the ongoing impact of self-harm on parents and the wider family, parents' various coping strategies, parents' negative experiences with mental health professionals expectations, and the lack of and need for psychoeducational resources. Our review finds that parents express keen interest in engaging with the treatment process, and our results support family-based therapy. However, with the overwhelming emotions most parents experience, clinicians should approach them with sensitivity, empathy and finesse. Psychoeducational self-help resources should also be made readily available to parents who are reluctant to seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Zhao
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Liu
- Psychotherapy Department, Zhengzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying-Ying Li
- Hematology Department, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong-Ling Liu
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing-Na Yi
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Kukoyi O, Orok E, Oluwafemi F, Oni O, Oluwadare T, Ojo T, Bamitale T, Jaiyesimi B, Iyamu D. Factors influencing suicidal ideation and self-harm among undergraduate students in a Nigerian private university. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s43045-022-00274-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Suicide and self-harm have been documented as the main cause of death among young adults. Nigeria as well as other low-income countries is reported to have a higher prevalence rate of suicidal ideation and self-harm as compared to high-income countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that influence self-harm and suicidal ideation among university undergraduates.
Results
Four hundred fifty students consented to participate in this study where 61.3% were female with mean age of 20.02 + 1.88 years. More than 46% (208) had moderate social support while 80.4% had a high self-esteem and 72.7% low environmental factor scores. There was an association between self-esteem (p=0.001), social support (p<0.001), and self-harm but no association between social support and suicide ideation (p=0.199) as well as between gender and self-harm (p=0.118).
Conclusions
There was some form of influence from self-esteem, social support, and environmental factors on self-harm and suicidal ideation. Interventions tailored towards these factors in order to improve mental health outcomes among undergraduates are needed.
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Townsend E, Ness J, Waters K, Rehman M, Kapur N, Clements C, Geulayov G, Bale E, Casey D, Hawton K. Life problems in children and adolescents who self-harm: findings from the multicentre study of self-harm in England. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2022; 27:352-360. [PMID: 35042280 PMCID: PMC9786245 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm, a significant and increasing global problem in children and adolescents, is often repeated and is associated with risk of future suicide. To identify potential interventions, we need to understand the life problems faced by children and adolescents, and by sub-groups of younger people who self-harm. Our aims were to include the following: (a) investigate the type and frequency of life problems in a large sample of children and adolescents who self-harmed. (b) Examine whether problems differ between those who repeat self-harm and those who do not. METHODS We analysed data for 2000 to 2013 (follow up until 2014) from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England on individuals aged 11 to 18 years who presented to one of the five study hospitals following self-harm and received a psychosocial assessment including questions about problems, which precipitated self-harm. RESULTS In 5648 patients (12,261 self-harm episodes), (75.5% female, mean age 16.1 years) the most frequently reported problems at first episode of self-harm were family problems. Problems around study/employment/study and relationships with friends also featured prominently. The types of problems that precede self-harm differed between late childhood/early adolescence. Abuse, mental health problems and legal problems significantly predicted repeat self-harm for females. CONCLUSION The most common problems reported by both genders were social/interpersonal in nature, indicating the need for relevant services embedded in the community (e.g. in schools/colleges). Self-harm assessment and treatment choices for children and adolescents must take age and gender into account. To prevent future self-harm, individualised supports and services are particularly needed for abuse, mental health and legal problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Townsend
- Self-Harm Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jennifer Ness
- Centre for Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Research, Research and Development Centre, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Keith Waters
- Centre for Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Research, Research and Development Centre, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Muzamal Rehman
- Centre for Self-harm and Suicide Prevention Research, Research and Development Centre, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK
| | - Navneet Kapur
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Caroline Clements
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Galit Geulayov
- Centre for Suicide Research, University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth Bale
- Centre for Suicide Research, University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Deborah Casey
- Centre for Suicide Research, University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Zhao Y, D Dela Rosa R, Zhang Q, Zhao W, Xu H, Wang R, Ma L. Lived experiences of parents providing care to young people who self-harm: a protocol for a meta-aggregative synthesis of qualitative studie. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065489. [PMID: 36038177 PMCID: PMC9438063 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The self-harm of young people can cause tremendous distress to their parents/carers and impair parents' ability to provide care. At the same time, parents play an essential role in supporting their child during the management and treatment of self-harm. The synthesis of evidence about parental experiences and needs can inform mental health practice and the development of interventions to provide better care to young people who self-harm and their parents. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A comprehensive search will be conducted across several information sources, including multiple electronic databases (eg, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed), grey literature, the websites of specific organisations and hand-searched reference lists of all the relevant studies. Qualitative studies published in English or Chinese and focusing on the lived experiences of parents whose child self-harms will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen all the retrieved articles according to the flow diagram proposed by PRISMA (the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Two independent reviewers will then appraise the methodological quality of all the included articles using the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. The meta-aggregation approach will be used to synthesise the findings of the included qualitative studies, and the level of confidence in the synthesised findings will be assessed using the Confidence in the Qualitative synthesised finding approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No additional ethical clearance is required since this review is a secondary analysis of published primary studies. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021265525.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhao
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | | | - Qiushi Zhang
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hui Xu
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ling Ma
- School of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Mughal F, Troya MI, Dikomitis L, Tierney S, Corp N, Evans N, Townsend E, Chew-Graham CA. The experiences and needs of supporting individuals of young people who self-harm: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 48:101437. [PMID: 35783485 PMCID: PMC9249546 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Self-harm in young people is a serious international health concern that impacts on those providing informal support: the supporting individuals of young people. We aimed to highlight the experiences, views, and needs of these supporting individuals of young people. We conducted a systematic review and thematic synthesis: PROSPERO CRD42020168527. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, ASSIA, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 6 May 2020 with citation tracking of eligible studies done on 1 Oct 2021. Primary outcomes were experiences, perspectives, and needs of parents, carers, or other family members of young people aged 12-25. Searches found 6167 citations, of which 22 papers were included in synthesis. Supporting individuals seek an explanation for and were personally affected by self-harm in young people. It is important that these individuals are themselves supported, especially as they negotiate new identities when handling self-harm in young people, as they attempt to offer support. The GRADE-CERQual confidence in findings is moderate. Recommendations informed by the synthesis findings are made for the future development of interventions. Clinicians and health service providers who manage self-harm in young people should incorporate these identified unmet needs of supporting individuals in a holistic approach to self-harm care. Future research must co-produce and evaluate interventions for supporting individuals. FUNDING FM was supported by a NIHR School for Primary Care Research GP Career Progression Fellowship (SCPR-157 2020-20) to undertake this review and is now funded by a NIHR Doctoral Fellowship (NIHR300957). CCG is part-funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Mughal
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.
| | | | - Lisa Dikomitis
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Tierney
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Corp
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Evans
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen Townsend
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Fowler K, O’Connor C. ‘I just rolled up my sleeves’: Mothers’ perspectives on raising girls on the autism spectrum. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:275-287. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361320956876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Little previous research has elucidated the everyday experiences of autistic girls or their families. This study used qualitative in-depth interviews to explore mothers’ experiences of the diagnosis, presentation and impact of caring for a daughter with autism. Nineteen women with autistic daughters (aged between 7 and 18) participated in the research, which took place in Ireland. Thematic analysis identified six themes: What’s Going On?; Road to Acceptance; Beyond the Stigma of Autism; Autism: Like a Girl; Mothers Holding It All Together; and Mothers Roll Up Their Sleeves. The analysis suggests that the path of autism in girls in Ireland is marked by diagnostic delays, social stigma, interpersonal difficulties, mental health comorbidities and parental stress. However, these challenges were offset by the resilience of mothers, buttressed by pride in their daughters and support from other women. Results will inform the development of policy and practice that is sensitive to the lived realities of autistic girls and their families. Lay abstract Autism in boys has been well researched but very little is known about the everyday experiences of autistic girls or their families. Mothers’ views and insights can be very helpful in increasing knowledge around the unique demands of raising a daughter with autism. This study conducted interviews with Irish mothers to examine their own experiences regarding (a) getting an autism diagnosis for their daughter, (b) their daughters’ personal characteristics and (c) the impact of caring for a daughter with autism. The study suggests that the route to an autism diagnosis for girls in Ireland is made more difficult by delays and missed diagnoses, and often followed by inadequate supports. Mothers described autistic girls as presenting with social challenges and mental health difficulties. Many mothers experienced judgement from other parents and family members, acute stress and mental health struggles. However, these challenges were offset by mothers’ resilience, pride in their daughters and support from other women. The findings of this study highlight the importance of specific support for autistic girls and their families.
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12
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Krysinska K, Curtis S, Lamblin M, Stefanac N, Gibson K, Byrne S, Thorn P, Rice SM, McRoberts A, Ferrey A, Perry Y, Lin A, Hetrick S, Hawton K, Robinson J. Parents' Experience and Psychoeducation Needs When Supporting a Young Person Who Self-Harms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3662. [PMID: 32456022 PMCID: PMC7277421 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm in young people can have a substantial negative impact on the well-being and functioning of parents and other carers. The "Coping with Self-Harm" booklet was originally developed in the UK as a resource for parents and carers of young people who self-harm, and an adaptation study of this resource was conducted in Australia. This paper presents qualitative analysis of interviews with parents about their experiences and psychoeducational needs when supporting a young person who engages in self harm. METHODS The qualitative study drew on semi-structured individual and group interviews with parents (n = 19 participants) of young people who self-harm. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. RESULTS The analysis identified six themes: (1) the discovery of self-harm, (2) challenges in the parent-young person relationship, (3) parents' need to understand self-harm, (4) parents' emotional reactions to self-harm, (5) the importance of self-care and help-seeking among parents, and (6) the need for psychoeducational resources. CONCLUSION The study highlights the need for support for parents and carers of young people who engage in self-harm, including development and adaptation of resources, such as the "Coping with Self-Harm" booklet, of which an Australian version has now been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Krysinska
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Sophie Curtis
- North Western Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Michelle Lamblin
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Nina Stefanac
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Kerry Gibson
- School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Sadhbh Byrne
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Pinar Thorn
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Simon M Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | | | - Anne Ferrey
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Yael Perry
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Sarah Hetrick
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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13
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Curtis S, Thorn P, McRoberts A, Hetrick S, Rice S, Robinson J. Caring for Young People Who Self-Harm: A Review of Perspectives from Families and Young People. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E950. [PMID: 29747476 PMCID: PMC5981989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15050950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Self-harm among young people remains largely stigmatised and misunderstood. Parents have been identified as key facilitators in the help-seeking process, yet they typically report feeling ill-equipped to support the young person in their care. The aim of this review was to examine the perspectives of both young people (aged 12⁻28) and parents and to develop the conceptual framework for a future qualitative study. A systematic search of MEDLINE and PsycINFO was performed to identify articles that focused on the experiences of family members and young people related to managing the discovery of self-harm. Fourteen articles were included for review. Four addressed the perspectives of young people and 10 reported on the impact of adolescent self-harm on parents. The impact of self-harm is substantial and there exists a discrepancy between the most common parental responses and the preferences of young people. In addition, parents are often reluctant to seek help for themselves due to feelings of shame and guilt. This highlights the need for accessible resources that seek to alleviate parents’ distress, influence the strategies implemented to manage the young person’s self-harm behaviour, reduce self-blame of family members, and increase the likelihood of parental help seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Curtis
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Pinar Thorn
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Alison McRoberts
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Sarah Hetrick
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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14
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Borisonik E, Kholmogorova A. The Psychological State of Family Members Who Have Experienced Various Forms of Suicide of a Loved One (Single Attempt, Chronic Suicide, Completed Suicide). КОНСУЛЬТАТИВНАЯ ПСИХОЛОГИЯ И ПСИХОТЕРАПИЯ 2018. [DOI: 10.17759/cpp.2018260105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The suicidal behavior of a member of a family influences the emotional well-being of his/her relatives. This paper presents the results of a pilot study of emotional well-being, coping strategies and characteristics of the family system among relatives of persons with suicidal behavior. The study involved 40 people, the total sample was divided into three subgroups: relatives of patients who survived the first suicide attempt (n = 16); relatives of patients after multiple suicide attempts (n = 10); relatives of persons who committed suicide (n = 14). In the first part of the study, the symptoms of emotional distress were analyzed for the entire sample. Relatives of people with different forms of suicidal behavior are at risk of depression: two-thirds of the combined sample showed increased symptoms of depression. The coping strategies of positive redefinition and personal growth are negatively correlated with symptoms of depression. In the second part of the study, we analyzed differences between subgroups. The severity of the symptoms of depression is significantly higher in the subgroup of relatives of people with completed suicide compared to relatives of those who survived a single suicide attempt, the indicators of hardiness and cohesion of the family system are lower in the families of people with multiple suicide attempts compared to other forms of suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- E.V. Borisonik
- Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE)
| | - A.B. Kholmogorova
- Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry — Branch of The Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology
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15
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Borisonik E, Lyubov E. Clinical and psychological consequences for the families of suicide victim. КОНСУЛЬТАТИВНАЯ ПСИХОЛОГИЯ И ПСИХОТЕРАПИЯ 2016. [DOI: 10.17759/cpp.2016240303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A lot of attention is paid to people in suicidal crisis, while the problems of helping the relatives of the suicide victim are studied less extensively. To offer expert support to the family it is necessary to understand the aims of psychological work. The article presents analysis of protective factors and risk factors that may affect the intensity of the emotional state after the loss. Characteristics of children’s experience of relative’s suicide are described. In contrast to the experience of natural death, relatives of a suicide experience more feelings of guilt and social stigmatization that prevents them from getting informal support. Relatives of a suicide are at risk of developing depression, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, physical illness, drug addiction and suicidal behavior. Literature data shows the need to develop a program of prevention that should be based on the relationship between the survivor and the person who committed suicide, to consider the stage of grief and coping skills he/she possesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- E.V. Borisonik
- Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE)
| | - E.B. Lyubov
- Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry — Branch of The Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology
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