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Abstract

Adolescent self-harm is a complex phenomenon that is highly prevalent among young people. The causes and consequences of self-harm evidently differ from person to person. However, it is understood that a young person’s ecological system – their environments in different contexts – effects their development and behaviour. This dissertation therefore uses Bronfenbrenner’s (1976) ecological systems theory to frame some of the research. The causes of these issues are endless, nevertheless, this piece of research focuses mainly on mental illness, social media and familial influences. Alongside investigating how the family can cause self-harm to occur, this dissertation will also examine the impact self-harm can have on family dynamics and the services currently on offer to young people and their families. The findings indicate the bidirectional influence that occurs between self-harm and the family. It was found that families can act as both a protective factor against self-harm yet also can be detrimental to a young person’s mental health. Self-harm can cause negative family dynamics, yet this can also be reversed as negative family environments can also cause self-harm to occur. Alongside this, it was found that a lack of competent emotional expression is often a key factor when determining why a young person is struggling with self-harm. Although many potential causes were identified, it should be noted that when numerous stressors are experienced at once, the likelihood of self-harm is much higher. This dissertation also investigated the services on offer, examining their effectiveness and accessibility, including CAMHS - both inpatient and outpatient, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Family Therapy. Although family therapies address some of the systemic-relational aspects of self-harm, it could be said there needs to be more in place to support young people and their families adequately, providing them with an appropriate psychoeducation on the issues surrounding adolescent self-harm.

Course: Childhood and Youth Studies with Psychology - BA (Hons)

Date Deposited: 2021-02-03

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13664.html