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Guilt and shame: experiences of parents of self-harming adolescents

PhD candidate, School of Nursing, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia

Louise O'Brien, RN, PhD

University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW and Sydney West Area Mental Health Service, Mental Health Nursing Research Unit, Cumberland Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Debra Jackson, RN, PhD

University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia, debra.jackson{at}uws.edu.au

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study that used a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology to develop insights into the experience of parents of young people who engage in self-harming behaviour. Six mothers (and one father who accompanied his wife) participated in the study. Findings reveal that mothers experienced guilt and shame, and that these feelings shaped their reactions and responses. These mothers described experiencing emotional dilemmas, such as the degree to which they could be responsible, uncertainty about how to understand self harm, and the best course of action to take with their child. They also encountered difficulties in combating the negative emotional effects for themselves and other family members. Findings provide insights that can help nurses and family health workers to understand and assist parents with greater effectiveness; by maintaining a non-judgemental stance, acknowledging the difficulties of their experiences, encouraging confidence in their parenting abilities, and promoting effective stress management strategies.

Key Words: adolescent health • guilt • mothering • parenting • self harm

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Journal of Child Health Care, Vol. 11, No. 4, 298-310 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1367493507082759


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by McDonald, G. Articles by Jackson, D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by McDonald, G. Articles by Jackson, D. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?