Boyce_2017_2.pdf (222.6 kB)
"It's a safe space": Self-harm self-help groups
journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-30, 15:00 authored by Melanie J. Boyce, Carol Munn-Giddings, Jenny SeckerPurpose:
The purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative analysis of the role of self-harm self-help groups from the perspective of group members.
Design / methodology / approach:
A qualitative case study approach guided the research, which involved working with two self-harm self-help groups and all regularly attending members.
Findings:
A thematic approach to the analysis of the findings indicates that self-harm self-help groups can provide a safe, non-judgemental space where those who self-harm can meet, listen and talk to others who share similar experiences for reciprocal peer support. Offering a different approach to that experienced in statutory services the groups reduced members’ isolation and offered opportunities for learning and findings ways to lessen and better manage their self-harm.
Research limitations / implications:
This was a small-scale qualitative study, hence it is not possible to generalise the findings to all self-harm self-help groups.
Practical implications:
The value of peers supporting one another, as a means of aiding recovery and improving well-being, has gained credence in recent years, but remains limited for those who self-harm. The findings from this research highlight the value of self-help groups in providing opportunities for peer support and the facilitative role practitioners can play in the development of self-harm self-help groups.
Originality / value:
Self-harm self-help groups remain an underexplored area, despite such groups being identified as a valuable source of support by its members. This research provides empirical evidence, at an individual and group level, into the unique role of self-harm self-help groups.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
23Issue number
1Page range
54-63Publication title
Mental Health Review JournalISSN
2042-8758External DOI
Publisher
EmeraldFile version
- Accepted version
Language
- eng
Official URL
Legacy posted date
2017-12-01Legacy creation date
2017-11-30Legacy Faculty/School/Department
ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)Usage metrics
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