According to a recent study at the University of Georgia, individuals engaging in nonsuicidal self-harm who share their experiences online are motivated by the allure of community. The study analyzed 400 posts in a Subreddit dedicated to self-harm and found that individuals most often posted about negative experiences or emotions such as disagreements with family, breakups, or feelings of depression.
“The majority of posts did not describe why the poster engaged in self-injury, but of those who did, the most common reason was for emotion regulation. They were engaging in self-harm as a way to stop bad feelings and feel better,” said Amanda Giordano an associate Professor at UGA’s Mary Frances Early College of Education.
The study also revealed that posts often referred to self-harm as an addiction, but the number of posts expressing an intention to stop engaging in self-harm was nearly equal to those expressing no intention to stop.
Research into the growing prevalence of online posts about self-harm may be helpful for counselors and mental health professionals to understand the motivation and the resulting catharsis that occurs from engaging with nonsuicidal self-harm groups online. This understanding could help counselors develop preventative care plans for patients seeking help.
Scholars are currently split as to whether engaging in these online communities for peer support has a positive effect on those engaging in self-harm.
