Descriptions of help by Finnish adolescents who self-mutilate.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to describe help from the viewpoint of self-mutilating Finnish adolescents.


METHODS
Methodological triangulation was used in data collection. Written descriptions were provided by 62 self-mutilating adolescents (aged 12-21 years) of the help they received and wished to receive, and individual interviews were conducted with 10 self-mutilating adolescents (aged 15-22 years). Qualitative content analysis was applied.


RESULTS
Three groups of people that can be of help were identified by the self-mutilating adolescents: age-mates, including peers and fellow self-mutilating adolescents; loved ones; and adults, including unknown adults, health and social care professionals, teachers and school counsellors, and parents. Factors contributing and hindering to help were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-mutilating adolescents want to be helped and, in their opinion, adults are duty-bound to help and care for them.
Rissanen
Marja-Liisa
ML
Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. marja-liisa.rissanen@kuh.fi
Kylmä
Jari
J
Laukkanen
Eila
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult