Experiences of Unintentionally Severe Harm During Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among College Students

Abstract

Nine participants were interviewed about their experiences with unintentionally severe injury during engagement in nonsuicidal self-injury. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we identified four common themes among participants: (a) explosive affect prior to unintentional injury, (b) loss of control during unintentional injury, (c) unfamiliar method, and (d) consequences of unintentional injury. Implications for research and practice are discussed.