Motivations and perceived harms and benefits of online communication about self-harm: An interview study with young people.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Self-harm behaviour is prevalent among young people and online communication about self-harm is frequent. These online communications are associated with potential harms and potential benefits. To date, few studies have explored the motivations and mechanisms involved in youth online communication about self-harm.

Objective

This study aimed to explore why young people communicate online about self-harm and the perceived benefits and harms of these communications.

Methods

Twenty young people aged between 18 and 25 years completed an online interview. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes.

Results

Four main themes are reported: (1) crossing from offline to online-the double-edged affordan

SUBMITTER: Thorn P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10214072 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature