The impact of ambivalence on recovery from non-suicidal self-injury: considerations for health professionals

• Published in: Journal of public mental health Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 251 - 258
• Main Authors: Gray, Nicole, Hasking, Penelope, Boyes, Mark E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brighton Emerald Publishing Limited 26.11.2021; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Ambivalence; Behavior; Clients; Disclosure; Frustration; Health services utilization; Help seeking behavior; Medical personnel; Mental health; Professionals; Public health; Recovery; Recovery (Medical); Self destructive behavior; Self injury; Shame; Social norms; Suicidal behavior; Suicide; Teenagers; Young adults; Ambivalence; Self-injury; Recovery; NSSI
• ISSN: 1746-5729; 2042-8731
• DOI: 10.1108/JPMH-07-2020-0093

Purpose Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a growing public health concern. Continued NSSI is often associated with negative outcomes, yet the behaviour usually serves a purpose for individuals who self-injure (e.g. emotional relief). As such, individuals who self-injure often experience ambivalence about the behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of recognising ambivalence as a natural and expected part of the recovery process. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on literature regarding NSSI recovery, ambivalence towards stopping the behaviour and challenges for both clients and health professionals. Findings This paper argues that ambivalence towards self-injury can be challenging for both clients and health professionals. Clients may feel shame and sense of failure if they experience a setback; health professionals may experience frustration towards clients who continue to self-injure despite treatment. Originality/value Validation of the clients’ experience can have significant positive outcomes in treatment and help-seeking behaviours. Acknowledgement of client ambivalence during the recovery process will serve to validate clients’ experience and facilitate rapport. Health professionals who accept ambivalence as a natural part of the recovery process may experience less frustration with clients who continue to self-injure.