The quest for genuine care: A qualitative study of the experiences of young people who self-harm in residential care. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rouski, Charlene; Knowles, Susan Frances; Sellwood, William; Hodge, Suzanne
• Is Part Of: Clinical child psychology and psychiatry. Volume 26:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 418
• Page End: 429
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Looked after children -- children in care -- self-harm -- residential care -- relational -- qualitative -- interpretative phenomenological analysis; Clinical child psychology -- Periodicals; Child psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.9289
• DOI: 10.1177/1359104520980037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1045

Abstract

Levels of self-harm for young people in care are high, and even higher for those in residential care. Recent research highlights the importance of understanding self-harm relationally. Such an approach may be of particular value for understanding the self-harm of young people in care. The aim of this research was to understand the experiences of young people who self-harm whilst living in residential care, with a particular focus on the effect of the care setting on their self-harm. Five young people participated in semi-structured interviews which were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Four themes emerged: 'The black hole of self-harm', 'Seeking genuine care and containment', 'The cry to be understood' and 'Loss of control to the system.' Young people recognised their need for support with their self-harm, but organisationally driven approaches to managing risk contributed to a perception that the care offered was not genuine, which led to an unwillingness to accept care. The findings highlight the need for a more compassionate, relational response to young people who self-harm in residential care.