Self-Harm in Young People From Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in Turkey: A Grounded Theory Analysis of Contextual Risks and Functions

Creative Commons License

Pekasıl A. N., Erşahin Z.

YOUTH AND SOCIETY, vol.57, no.2, pp.258-278, 2024 (SSCI)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 57 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/0044118x241303528
  • Journal Name: YOUTH AND SOCIETY
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, Periodicals Index Online, American History and Life, Communication & Mass Media Index, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Gender Studies Database, Political Science Complete, Psycinfo, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.258-278
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

To effectively prevent and address self-harm behavior (SHB), it is crucial to understand the relational and social contexts of young people (YP) who engage in SHB, as well as the meanings they ascribe to their behavior. The aim of study is to gain a deeper understanding of the processes SHB among YP in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Turkey. The research examines the factors that contribute to SHB and how YP interpret this behavior. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20YP, aged 14 to 24, who demonstrated moderate SHB that did not lead to mutilation. Through the application of Embodied Grounded Theory, findings were organized into 11 sub-categories and 4 main categories and presents a model proposal for understanding the SHB journeys of these YP. The findings highlight the significance of the meanings attached to SHB in its onset and persistence, besides the influence of social and relational contexts on these meanings.