Pathways to care and help-seeking experience prior to self-harm: A qualitative study in Taiwan
Journal
Journal of Nursing Research
Journal Volume
20
Journal Issue
1
Pages
32-41
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Help-seeking behavior may protect people from harming themselves. However, few studies have discussed how and why people access lay or professional help prior to self-harm. Purpose: This study explored the subjective experiences of individuals with deliberate self-harm in terms of help-seeking behavior and medical care pathways. Methods: Researchers performed qualitative in-depth interviews and content analysis and used a sampling grid to recruit participants. Twenty emergency attendees between the ages of 18-55 years were interviewed on their help-seeking pathways and experiences using a standardized topic guide. Results: Participants identified friends, family members, healthcare personnel, and their own initiative as the primary medical care pathways. Analysis showed help-seeking experiences significantly related to the physician-patient relationship, social support, and treatment adherence. These factors were also identified as prominent themes related to medical help-seeking behavior. Conclusions: Supportive attitudes and continuous care from formal and informal sources of help may facilitate help-seeking behavior, whereas negative influences from close friends or relatives may trigger a self-harm episode. Medication stockpiling and the negative aspects of close relationships should be addressed and minimized to raise the effectiveness of self-harm or suicide prevention efforts. ? 2012 Taiwan Nurses Association.
Subjects
Deliberate self-harm; Help-seeking behavior; Pathways to care; Social support
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; article; automutilation; doctor patient relation; female; human; male; middle aged; patient attitude; patient compliance; qualitative research; social support; Taiwan; verbal communication; Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Narration; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Physician-Patient Relations; Qualitative Research; Self-Injurious Behavior; Social Support; Taiwan
Type
journal article