{"title":"Conceptualizing Self-Harm through the Experiences of Psychogeriatric Experts.","authors":"Lisa Van Hove, I. Baetens, Steven Vanderstichelen","doi":"10.1159/000537809","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"INTRODUCTION\nFewer studies thus far have focused on self-harm and its specific forms among older adults. Moreover, the limited available literature applies varying terminology. The categorization of self-harm used in younger populations may not be as appropriate for this population. This means that less is known about this phenomenon in older adults. The current study aimed to reduce this gap.\n\n\nMETHODS\nNine Flemish psychogeriatric experts participated in a semi-structured interview. Transcripts were thematically analyzed.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThemes emerging from the interviews suggest that self-harm in older adults may also include distinct elements, such as the omission of certain behaviours and engagement in indirect self-harm to cause bodily harm. According to the experts, self-harm may be engaged in to cope with emotions, express life fatigue, hasten death, and communicate a cry for help.\n\n\nDISCUSSION\nSelf-harm is prevalent in older adults, and some characteristics may be specific to self-harm in an older age group. These findings may enable clinicians to be more alert to self-harm in older adults and consequently prevent serious suicidal behaviour. More research is needed to further uncover this phenomenon.","PeriodicalId":20723,"journal":{"name":"Psychopathology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9000,"publicationDate":"2024-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Psychopathology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000537809","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"PSYCHIATRY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Fewer studies thus far have focused on self-harm and its specific forms among older adults. Moreover, the limited available literature applies varying terminology. The categorization of self-harm used in younger populations may not be as appropriate for this population. This means that less is known about this phenomenon in older adults. The current study aimed to reduce this gap.
METHODS
Nine Flemish psychogeriatric experts participated in a semi-structured interview. Transcripts were thematically analyzed.
RESULTS
Themes emerging from the interviews suggest that self-harm in older adults may also include distinct elements, such as the omission of certain behaviours and engagement in indirect self-harm to cause bodily harm. According to the experts, self-harm may be engaged in to cope with emotions, express life fatigue, hasten death, and communicate a cry for help.
DISCUSSION
Self-harm is prevalent in older adults, and some characteristics may be specific to self-harm in an older age group. These findings may enable clinicians to be more alert to self-harm in older adults and consequently prevent serious suicidal behaviour. More research is needed to further uncover this phenomenon.
期刊介绍:
''Psychopathology'' is a record of research centered on findings, concepts, and diagnostic categories of phenomenological, experimental and clinical psychopathology. Studies published are designed to improve and deepen the knowledge and understanding of the pathogenesis and nature of psychopathological symptoms and psychological dysfunctions. Furthermore, the validity of concepts applied in the neurosciences of mental functions are evaluated in order to closely bring together the mind and the brain. Major topics of the journal are trajectories between biological processes and psychological dysfunction that can help us better understand a subject’s inner experiences and interpersonal behavior. Descriptive psychopathology, experimental psychopathology and neuropsychology, developmental psychopathology, transcultural psychiatry as well as philosophy-based phenomenology contribute to this field.