A Study Exploring the Motivations and Recovery Process ofRecurrent Non-Fatal Self-Harm Behaviors in the Asian FemaleCommunity

Abstract

Previous literature has suggested that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) could be conceptualised as behavioural addiction as they share common characteristics. While NSSI continues to be a problem among the Chinese female population, help-seeking rates remain low. There has been little research into the psychosocial factors and cultural influence contributing to NSSI and its help-seeking behaviour. This research presents an up-to-date background and prevalence rate of NSSI behaviour in Hong Kong. It seeks to explore the subjective experiences of NSSI as an addictive behaviour through a qualitative analysis of interviews with 13 Chinese female participants who are in recovery from it. Interviews were transcribed and analysed for understanding the shared themes across participants’ accounts in deliberate self-injurious behaviour. Alexithymia was found to be a trait that may contribute to their NSSI. Participants’ self-wounding habits met some addictive criteria mentioned in DSM-V. The implications of these findings for the treatment and interventions of Chinese females engaged in NSSI are discussed.