Understanding self-harm in older adults: a qualitiative study

Troya, M. Isabela; Dikomitis, Lisa; Babatunde, Opeyemi O.; Bartlam, Bernadette; Chew-Graham, Carolyn A.

Abstract

Background
Self-harm is the leading risk factor for suicide, with elevated rates reported among older populations. This study explores how older adults experience self-harm, identifying factors leading to self-harm.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews with older adults (=60 years) engaging in self-harm and support workers from third sector services in England. Older adults were invited to participate in a follow-up interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed thematically. Ethical approval obtained from Keele University’s Ethics Review Panel. A Patient Involvement group contributed to study design, data analysis and interpretation.

Outcomes
Between September 2017 to September 2018, 24 interviews were conducted involving 16 participants: nine older adults and seven support workers. Eight older adults consented to follow-up interviews. All older adults had diagnoses of mental illness in addition to physical illness. Participants identified diverse stressors accumulating over the life-course leaving older adults particularly vulnerable to self-harm. Such stressors included adverse events, loss, interpersonal and health problems. A sense of shame and stigma amongst older people using self-harm to manage distress was also reported.

Interpretation
Self-harm is often concealed due to stigma and shame, being further accentuated amongst older adults, which may result in low levels of medical help-seeking behaviour for self-harm. Self-harm occurred along a spectrum of no-suicidal intent to high-levels of intent, suggesting self-harm holds different functions to older adults. Clinicians should be aware of the existence of self-harm in this age-group, and the heightened risk amongst those with comorbidities so adequate assessment, support and/or referral is provided.

Citation

Troya, M. I., Dikomitis, L., Babatunde, O. O., Bartlam, B., & Chew-Graham, C. A. (2019). Understanding self-harm in older adults: a qualitiative study. EClinicalMedicine, 12, 52-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.06.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jun 19, 2019
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Publicly Available Date: May 26, 2023
• Journal: EClinicalMedicine
• Print ISSN: 2589-5370
• Electronic ISSN: 2589-5370
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Pages: 52-61
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.06.002
• Keywords: Self-harmQualitativeSuicideOlder adults
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.06.002