Non-suicidal self-injury experiences for adolescents who self-injured: contributions of Winnicott's psychoanalytic theory

Abstract

Objective: to identify and analyze the elements present in non-suicidal self-injury experiences by adolescents who self-injured. Method: a qualitative research, with data collection conducted from August to October 2019 through individual therapeutic consultations, mediated by the dialogical resource Drawing-Story with Theme Procedure. Participants were eight adolescents who reported self-injury in a school of a municipality in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. Thematic analysis was developed from data anchored in Winnicott’s psychoanalytic theory. Results: two thematic categories were identified: “I think nobody cares about me” and “I do not see the colors I used to see before”. The elements present in adolescents’ experiences on non-suicidal self-injury highlighted the importance of a physical and relational environment that offers holding and is able to integrate characteristics of the adolescence process itself. The importance of a family and peer support network, as well as the need for family, school and health professionals to be involved in coping with and preventing non-suicidal self-injury stands out. Conclusion: non-suicidal self-injury is a multiple phenomenon, closely related to the environment, which deserves attention and care in the field of child and adolescent health. The issues present in the process of becoming an adolescent emerge as essential elements for understanding and coping with non-suicidal selfinjury. Due to their multiple characteristics, coping and prevention policies should include several areas, such as health, education, and social assistance. The presence of mental health programs in schools is fundamental.