Authors
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics and factors related to self-harm in
adolescents with delinquency and history of mood disorders.
Method: In a qualitative study (phenomenologic design), using semi-structured interview, the description
of self-harm by 16 adolescents with history of self-harm in outpatient and custody setting were recorded.
Participants were selected using purpose-oriented sampling. Texts were analyzed by Colaizzi's method.
Results: Semantic part of interviews was classified in 144 conceptual codes. This theme was explored to
definition of self-harm, escape and soothing, expressing love or power, self-harm by rejection, self-harm
for threatening and attention seeking, disability in tolerating negative emotions, family factors, modeling,
and alcohol drinking. Then, the classified in three clusters as meaning of self-harm, types of self-harm,
and causes of self-harm.
Conclusion: Adolescents consider self-harm as a way of escaping from negative emotions or a way for
getting unseen rights. Conflict with parents and loss of friends have a role as trigger in self-harm.
Keywords
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