Self-injury and e-communities – A thematic analysis of the positive and negative consequences
Keywords:
non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), e-communities, social media, thematic analysis, social support, normalisation, comparison, competitionAbstract
This study aimed to examine the positive and negative consequences of participating in e-communities focused on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with English-speaking interviewees recruited from such e communities. A thematic analysis identified five themes: 1) being able to help, 2) feeling seen and relating to each other, 3) being negatively impacted by others’ posts, 4) comparisons and competition among members, and 5) finding the right balance. These five themes highlighted ways in which members are positively and negatively affected by e-communities, as well as how they may best protect themselves from harmful consequences while simultaneously benefitting from the support they get from these communities. These findings corroborate prior research while adding insights into the personal perspectives of adults who self-harm.
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