title: Descriptions of self-mutilation among Finnish adolescents: a qualitative descriptive inquiry.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe self-mutilation from the perspectives of self-mutilating adolescents. A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Self-mutilating adolescents were asked to write descriptions of their self-mutilation. Data analysis revealed three major categories: descriptions of the factors contributing to self-mutilation, descriptions of the act of self-mutilation, and descriptions of the sequels of self-mutilation. This study adds to our understanding of self-mutilation and the experiences of self-mutilating adolescents. In nursing practice and education, self-mutilation should be discussed based on existing knowledge to make nurses more familiar with it. Nurses should understand this phenomenon as a challenge for developing effective nursing practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry [corrected], University Hospital of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland. marja-liisa.rissanen@kuh.fi
authors.forename: Marja-Liisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Rissanen
authors.forename: Jari
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kylmä
authors.forename: Eila
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Laukkanen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires