Functions of deliberate self‐injury of personality disordered prisoners: a small scale study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore client‐reported functions of deliberate self‐injury for prisoners located within a dangerous and severe personality disorder site.

Design/methodology/approach

As interviews produced in‐depth data indicating a very idiosyncratic experience of the function of deliberate self‐injury, interpretative phenomenological analysis was used within a small‐scale case study design.

Findings

Identified functions mirrored current quantitative research but few emerging themes were identified across the sample. Participants presented with varying levels of insight into their deliberate self‐injury.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample of young males was used within the study.

Originality/value

A “status‐seeking” function of deliberate self‐injury was also observed, which is not explicitly discussed within the current literature base. This study's findings can be of use to treatment providers for this population given their complex responsivity needs.

Citation

Larissa Bennett, A. and Moss, M. (2013), "Functions of deliberate self‐injury of personality disordered prisoners: a small scale study", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 171-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-08-2012-0003