Exploring Support Preferences for Young Women Who Self-Harm: A Qualitative Study

Demee Rheinberger (), Smrithi Ravindra, Aimy Slade, Alison L. Calear, Amy Wang, Brittany Bunyan, Helen Christensen, Isabel Mahony, Isabella Gilbert, Katherine Boydell, Lorna Hankin and Samantha Tang
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Demee Rheinberger: Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia
Smrithi Ravindra: Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia
Aimy Slade: Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia
Alison L. Calear: Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Amy Wang: Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Brittany Bunyan: Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Helen Christensen: Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia
Isabel Mahony: Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Isabella Gilbert: Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Katherine Boydell: Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia
Lorna Hankin: Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Samantha Tang: Black Dog Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: Rates of self-harm among young women have been increasing in recent years across multiple high-income nations. Given the negative outcomes associated with self-harm, it is essential that young women who engage in self-harm receive the support that best addresses their specific needs. The aim of the current study is to explore support preferences among Australian young women with a history of self-harm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 young women ( M = 20.9, SD = 2.1) with a history of self-harm, recruited through social media posts. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach. Thematic analysis of the data identified themes pertaining to the following: (1) the types of support young women want around self-harm, and (2) how young women would like to receive support for self-harm. Regarding the former, participants expressed wanting information about self-harm and self-harm interventions, education about self-harm for those around them, age-specific mental health education, and alternative coping strategies. Some participants expressed not wanting any support. Regarding the latter, participants wanted self-harm information to be provided by health professionals and in school settings, and preferred for information to be provided in written or digital forms. The findings highlight the need to improve access to formal mental health support among young women, the importance of young people being able to access support confidentially, and the need for young peoples’ caregivers and health professionals to be educated about self-harm. Additionally, the findings support a role for schools in providing information about mental health and available support.

Keywords: self-harm; young women; support needs; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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