An exploration of family dynamics in adults who self-harm.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES\nThe aim of the present study was to explore how adults who self-harm experience family relationships.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA phenomenological design was employed to examine the dynamic relationship between self-harm and family systems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six female adults who attend a community mental health service and engage in self-harm. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).\n\n\nRESULTS\nFour superordinate themes emerged from the data and two subordinate themes emerged within each superordinate theme: family interactive patterns (subordinate themes: enmeshed patterns and culture of getting on with it ), searching for meaning (subordinate themes: expressing emotional turmoil and engrained worthlessness), relating to others (subordinate themes: guilt and feeling misunderstood) and journey towards life without self-harm (subordinate themes: acceptance and family support).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nFindings emphasise the role of family systems in understanding self-harm in adults. The study\xa0highlights the need for family-based interventions for family members who support adults that self-harm.