The influence of online images on self-harm: A qualitative study of young people aged 16-24

Jacob, Nina, Evans, Rhiannon Emily ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0239-6331 and Scourfield, Jonathan Bryn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6218-8158 2017. The influence of online images on self-harm: A qualitative study of young people aged 16-24. Journal of Adolescence 60 , pp. 140-147. 10.1016/j.adolescence.2017.08.001

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Abstract

To date, research on the role of the Internet in self-harm has focused on young people's interaction via the medium of text, with limited consideration of the effect of images. This qualitative study explores how young people understand and use online images of self-harm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a community sample of 21 individuals aged 16–24 living in Wales, UK, with a previous history of self-harm. Interviewees reported the role of the Internet in normalising young people's self-harm. Images rather than textual interactions are the primary reason cited for using the Internet for self-harm purposes. Images invoke a physical reaction and inspire behavioural enactment, with Tumblr, which permits the sharing of images by anonymous individuals, being the preferred platform. Viewing online images serves a vital role in many young people's self-harm, as part of ritualistic practice. Online prevention and intervention need to attend to the importance of images.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0140-1971
Funders:	National Institute of Health Research (Welsh Govt)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	12 September 2017
Date of Acceptance:	6 August 2017
Last Modified:	20 Jul 2024 13:35
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/104579

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