Interpersonal processes and self-injury : a qualitative
study using Bricolage

Rayner, GC; Warne, AR

Abstract

Introduction: Literature on self-injury has recognized the impact on the relationship
between clients and staff. Rationale: There is an absence of a detailed account of
interpersonal processes surrounding self-injury. Aim: A Bricolage qualitative
research approach was carried out in the United Kingdom that explored the interpersonal
processes surrounding self-injury. Method: Three pairs of clients and staff
were interviewed about an incident of self-injury. The interviews were thematically
analysed and then synthesized producing a deeper exploration of the relationship
between the client and staff. Findings: An interpersonal trigger followed by anger
and shame, resulted in self-injury to ‘numb’ these experiences. Discussion: Self-injury
is conceptualized as a safety behaviour to avoid shame and anger and then as a
maintenance cycle that traps the client in a reinforcing and rejecting relationship.
Staff interviewed were able to reflect with the clients and help them reframe these
experiences. Implications for practice: Mental Health Nurses can work with clients
to understand their own interpersonal cycles of self-injury. They can then reflect on
their own roles in this process and avoid reinforcing the clients’ negative beliefs. -
What the study adds to international evidence: This is the first international paper
to explore the interconnection between the client and a professional helper in their
lived experiences of self-injury.

Citation

study using Bricolage. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 23(1), 54-65. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12277

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Dec 21, 2016
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Apr 6, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1351-0126
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2850
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 54-65
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12277
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12277
• Related Public URLs: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1365-2850