A Qualitative Study of Self-Injurious Behaviour in Women Offenders

This book is available in preview mode only.

Licenses available:

To gain full access:

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) may be defined as the deliberate destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially sanctioned and may include behaviours such as cutting, ligature use, burning, hitting, swallowing sharp or indigestible objects, inserting and removing objects, and head banging. NSSI poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of offenders and staff within the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). To more effectively treat and prevent NSSI in offenders, a greater understanding of the origins and motivations of NSSI is required. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to analyse the motivations and emotions associated with engaging in NSSI as described by women offenders.