Lived Experiences of Non-suicidal Self-injury (NSSI) Cessation Among Adults in Malaysia
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Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) remains to be a pervasive behaviour that affects clinical and non-clinical youths all around the world. However, treatment and prevention efforts lack specificity in targeting NSSI as a disorder in its own right. This is more so in developing countries like Malaysia where lived experiences of individuals who had engaged in and ceased NSSI remains unavailable. To address this gap, this qualitative study utilised the phenomenology approach aimed to explore the thoughts, emotions, emotion regulation, and behaviours leading up to NSSI cessation. The consideration of complex individual experiences provided a deeper understanding of the human processes behind recovery amongst Malaysian adults. Materials and methods: Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with a total of 7 participants aged between 23 and 31 years old. Results: The findings offered insight into the development of motivation to move forward, the perception of control, the development of self-compassion, a sense of thankfulness and acceptance, importance of non-judgemental support, the practical coping strategies utilised as well as the challenges that were encountered during the journey. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the nuanced stages of change leading to NSSI cessation. An increased understanding of the processes towards cessation impacts the potential intervention and preventative programs that can be implemented in the Malaysian context.
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