Exploring mindfulness in self–injuring adolescents in a psychiatric setting

[摘要] This study explored mindfulness in eight self–injuring psychiatric adolescents. Aconcurrent triangulation mixed–method design was used. In–depth semi–structuredclinical interviews and clinical records constituted the qualitative data, whilequantitative data was gathered using the Five–Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire(FFMQ). Thematic analysis was used to generate themes and subthemes for both selfinjuryand mindfulness. Findings regarding self–injury were in line with the literature.In terms of mindfulness, two groups emerged: one sometimes acting mindfully andthe other often acting mindfully. Both similarities and differences were found betweenthe groups. Similarities in self–injuring behaviour can be explained by their similarscores on Observe and Nonreact, while the differences can be explained by thedifferences in their scores on Describe, Act with Awareness and Nonjudge. Thosewho sometimes act mindfully tend to be more self–critical, report more severe andlethal self–injuring episodes and more often use self–injury for self–punishment.Although those who often act mindfully self–injure more often, they show more selfcompassionand report less severe injuries and less lethal methods. Future researchshould explore the usefulness of mindfulness–based interventions, especially teachingNonjudge and Nonreact skills, to not only increase mindfulness, but to decrease selfinjuringbehaviour. Seeing that this is an exploratory study on a small sample, theresults presented here should be considered to be preliminary until replicated with alarger clinical sample.

[发布机构] North-West University