Abstract
This paper presents the results of a qualitative study exploring the accounts of 15 people with a history of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The study focusses on the period before engaging in NSSI, life with NSSI and the remission of NSSI. The results show that several factors have significance in relation to the development of NSSI, including dysfunctional childhood homes, social dissatisfaction, stress and major life events. Although some were inspired by the media or friends to engage in NSSI, the first episode is often a spontaneous act that develops into a ritualistic and obsessive behavior. NSSI is often seen as an embarrassing act, and much ambivalence is attached to it. Several participants found motivation to stop the self-injury by proactively choosing life, or because the selfinjury was developing lethal tendencies. Social support has been crucial in relation to stopping the self-injury, either through curiosity and love, or by relatives being the initiator to seek treatment. The results are discussed with regard to previous findings and the paper finishes with recommendations for practice.
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