Stewart, A, Hughes, ND, Simkin, S et al. (5 more authors) (2018) Navigating an unfamiliar world: how parents of young people who self‐harm experience support and treatment. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 23 (2). pp. 78-84. ISSN 1475-357X
Abstract
Background: Self‐harm in young people is a common reason for contact with clinical services. However, there is little research focusing on parents’ perspectives of care following self‐harm. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences of treatment and support for the young person and for themselves.
Methods: A qualitative design was used to explore parents’ perspectives. Semi‐structured narrative interviews were conducted across the UK with 37 parents of young people who had self‐harmed. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify themes relating to how parents experienced the help and treatment received.
Results: Parents reported differing reactions to contact with helping services. Many found these helpful, particularly in keeping the young person safe, developing a trusting relationship with the young person, encouraging skills in managing self‐harm and giving them an opportunity to talk about and find solutions to their difficulties. They spoke about the importance of practical help including prompt access to care, the right intensity of care, practical strategies and information and support. Some aspects of services were perceived as unhelpful, particularly a judgmental approach by professionals, lack of early access to treatment, inadequate support or failure to listen to the perspective of parents.
Conclusions: Parents’ views highlight the need for clinicians to consider carefully the perspective of parents, involving them wherever possible and providing practical help and support, including written information. The need for training of clinicians in communicating with young people and parents following self‐harm is also highlighted.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Stewart, A. , Hughes, N. D., Simkin, S. , Locock, L. , Ferrey, A. , Kapur, N. , Gunnell, D. and Hawton, K. (2018), Navigating an unfamiliar world: how parents of young people who self‐harm experience support and treatment. Child Adolesc Ment Health, 23: 78-84., which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12205. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Parents; self‐harm; treatment; support; health services |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Healthcare (Leeds) > Nursing Adult (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 24 Nov 2016 09:52 |
Last Modified: | 10 May 2018 15:33 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/camh.12205 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:108391 |