Beyond Barriers: Illuminating Pathways to Effective Self-Harm Treatment for Diverse Young People.

Abstract

Introduction: Self-harming young people face barriers in accessing effective treatment, including stigmatisation and negative reactions from trusted adults and clinicians. Understanding barriers and facilitators of treatment is crucial for improving help-seeking behaviours and treatment outcomes.

Aim: Explore the lived experiences of diverse young people engaged in self-harm to identify the barriers and facilitators in their help-seeking process.

Method: Interview 20 young people aged 16-24 from the greater Los Angeles area using semi-structured focus groups. Thematic analysis was conducted using Braun & Clark's six-phase framework in NVivo20.

Results: Participants described an iterative help-seeking process. Key barriers included stigmatisation, logistical challenges, negative parental responses, and negative treatment experiences. Key facilitators included trust, coping skills and providers' deep understanding of self-harm.

Discussion: Findings highlight the complex nature of help-seeking for self-harm among diverse young people, highlighting the need for enhanced clinical training and patient-centred treatment approaches.

Limitations: The study's generalisability is limited by its focus on young people from the Los Angeles area and those with prior professional treatment experience.

Implications: Increased education and training about self-harm for laypersons and mental health professionals is essential. Implementing patient-centered approaches can build trust, validate experiences and tailor interventions to individual needs, improving treatment efficacy and reducing stigma.