The Presentation of Self-Harm Recovery: A Thematic Analysis of YouTube Videos. Issue 12 (2nd December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ryan-Vig, Selena; Gavin, Jeff; Rodham, Karen
• Is Part Of: Deviant behavior. Volume 40:Issue 12(2019)
• Page Start: 1596
• Page End: 1608
• Publication Date: 2019-12-02
• Subjects: Deviant behavior -- Periodicals; 302.54205
• DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2019.1599141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-9625

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Little is known about how recovery from self-harm is understood by individuals with personal experience of self-harm. YouTube is an important online venue for posting and discussion of user-generated self-harm videos. Drawing on this material, this study explores how self-harm recovery is presented on YouTube. The 30 most highly-viewed videos about recovery from self-harm were thematically analysed. Three themes were identified: 1) a desire for change, 2) control over change, 3) implementing change. This study identifies multiple understandings of self-harm, which in turn shape individuals' understandings of self-harm recovery. This has implications for self-harm advice or support.