Massey Documents by Type

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294

Browse

Filters

2017 - 20193

Settings

Subject: search.filters.subject.Self-mutilation

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Exploring the constructs young people hold about non-suicidal self-injury : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) McKegg, Laura Jean
    Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a highly prevalent and alarming behaviour that has recently been highlighted as an area needing further research. It is not a stand-alone diagnosis, however features as a symptom in several disorders. NSSI also features heavily in the general population, in those who have not reached a diagnostic threshold. Prevalence rates and risk factors for New Zealand and the rest of the world are continuing to emerge as a clear single definition of the behaviour is agreed on. Theories about the function NSSI behaviour serves for the individual engaging in it are continuing to be explored, and several promising interventions are also being developed. Non-suicidal self-injury is typically a private behaviour, which makes reaching those who engage in the behaviour difficult. Exploring the ideas that young people hold about those who engage in non-suicidal self -injury is the focus of this current research. This is conducted to understand more about ways the behaviour is viewed by both people with a history of NSSI, and those with no history. The aim is twofold, firstly to see what researchers have to say about NSSI behaviour and how lay views, the views of the participants align with these views or if the participants view NSSI in a completely different manner. Secondly, to see if those with a personal history of NSSI respond in a different way to those with no personal history of NSSI. Seventeen females were interviewed, using an existing technique, mixed repertory grid analysis, to explore and understand the views they hold about people they know and believe to have engaged in NSSI. This technique required each participant to rate people they know in relation to how closely they align with contrasting concepts. Findings provide evidence to support the use of repertory grids to explore views of NSSI behaviour. Views of participants both with and without a history of NSSI align with what previous research has found in relation to existing risk factors of NSSI. Adding to previous research, the use of lay experts to develop interventions could prove useful, exploring the protective role of belonging in relation to NSSI and exploring poor work ethic and reliability as outcomes of NSSI behaviour. Health promoting initiatives that provide practical guidelines for family members and peers of those who engaged in NSSI with a focus on NSSI specifically as opposed to self-harming behaviour in general is needed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    This bloody show : outside and inside the artist's body in performance and video work : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Harris, Claire
    Utilising autobiographical content and her own body as medium and subject, the artist seeks to represent aspects of risk and self-harming without replicating or staging acts of self-harm. Drawing on writers Lea Vergine, Jennifer Doyle, Maggie Nelson and Amelia Jones, and artist Gina Pane’s performance work, this exegesis identifies points of contention in the production and reception of performative acts of self-harm. Beginning with installation and video works the artist creates tangential situations alluding to anticipation, depersonalization, and self-reflexivity in self-harm. Through this research the artist arrives at eggs as a fluid proxy for the body/self and for dynamics of anxiety in video and live performance works. Additional issues arising involve perceptions harm and risk; the “feminist performance art meets misogynous cinema” dynamic within this MFA work; and the double consciousness, self-management, and projection in being female subject, performer, and artist. This abstract is old now and not totally relevant.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Majorities within minorities : the experiences of non-suicidal self-injury in the LGBTQ communities : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Fedchuk, Darya
    Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a maladaptive behaviour, defined as the purposeful destruction of one’s own body tissue performed in absence of suicidal intent or social custom. Research suggests that NSSI is a risk factor for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Research also suggests that LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) identifying individuals are at a higher risk for experiencing mental distress, NSSI and suicidality. Within Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Youth’12: Health and Wellbeing of Secondary School Students survey found that LGBTQ adolescents had significantly higher rates of NSSI and were five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual and/or cisgender counterparts. This thesis addresses these concerns through a qualitative approach, guided by the methodology of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. This research examines how LGBTQ individuals who have previously engaged in NSSI make sense of their experience. The six individuals interviewed share their background histories, the process of coming out, and their experiences with NSSI. Participants further comment on the various ways in which existing ideologies within their social climates impacted their overall health and wellbeing. There were numerous challenges faced by the participants. Some experienced discriminatory behaviours from family, friends, and health professionals. The process of coming out as LGBTQ was a difficult time for many. Participants experienced stigma and discrimination in association with both their identity, and the self-injurious behaviour. NSSI was seen largely as a coping mechanism, and participants displayed resilience in light of their circumstances. Self-esteem and self-acceptance increased as participants acquired a stronger sense of belonging through meaningful connections. Building supportive friendships, and finding a community contributed to positive health outcomes. However, despite a solidified identity, societal pressures remained. The results of this thesis suggest that education and tailored support from health professionals is of utmost importance. The ongoing challenges experienced by the participants are reflected in research, and signify that educating families, health professionals, and the wider society is a crucial step in assisting this at-risk group. Implications for future directions are discussed.