Descriptions of Help by Finnish Adolescents Who Self‐Mutilate

Abstract

PURPOSE: 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. FINDINGS: 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.