A Narrative Synthesis of Qualitative Studies on Self-harming Behavior in the Correctional Setting

Non-suicidal self-injurious or deliberate self-harming behavior is a significant mental health issue, particularly among vulnerable incarcerated people experiencing the psychological stresses of imprisonment. Drawing on a database search strategy focused on 15 years of qualitative research on self harming in the forensic setting, this narrative synthesis study integrates the findings of views on self harming by inmates and prison management staff and develops the Yin-Yang of Self-Harming Behavior in Prison model to illustrate the duality. The findings support the need for intensive prison staff training in the management of self-harmers and the development of inmate programs geared towards awareness and promotion of mental health.