Understanding the impact of involuntary discoveries of nonsuicidal self-injury: a thematic analysis

Abstract

Recently researchers have focused efforts on understanding instances in which an individual voluntarily discloses their nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) to another person and the various impacts these disclosure events might have. Yet, no research efforts have been targeted at understanding the impact of involuntary discovery experiences (IDEs) as they concern NSSI. As such, the present study used a qualitative approach to better understand how people with lived experience are impacted by IDEs when they happen. The sample included 139 university students (Mage = 19.13, SD = 2.12; nfemale = 121) with lived experience of NSSI who reported having an IDE in the past. Participants took part in an online study involving a series of openended questions about their past IDEs. A thematic analysis of their responses pointed to three themes: Self-Stigmatization and Marginalization, Resentment and Disappointment Directed Towards the Self and Others, and Reassurance and Alleviation of Isolation. iii DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this thesis to my late mom (Teresita Pugh) and dad (Darrel Pugh); I really wish you guys could have stuck around long enough to read this.