KONRADSEN Flemming, VAN DER HOEK Wim, PEIRIS Pushpalatha
Journal article citation:
Social Science and Medicine, 62(7), April 2006, pp.1710-1719.
Publisher:
Elsevier
This long-term study in Sri Lanka explored the complexities behind self-inflicted pesticide poisonings by 166 Sri Lankans. Using or threatening to use pesticides for self-harm has become a response to stressful events and a powerful message towards a specific individual, or to the outside world in general, conveying misgiving, anger, sadness, hopelessness, frustration, or simply a way to manipulate a situation to one's own advantage. The effects of alcohol misuse are especially important in understanding self-harm at the community level in terms of the impact they have on the domestic environment. Also, issues around “love affairs,” arranged marriages and domestic physical, sexual or psychological abuse in the domestic environment are referred to by many self-harmers or their relatives as it is likely to reduce death from pesticides although unlikely to impact on the number of episodes. Support to families plagued by domestic violence and male alcohol misuse is essential to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable and to reduce the number of self-harm episodes in the long-term.
This long-term study in Sri Lanka explored the complexities behind self-inflicted pesticide poisonings by 166 Sri Lankans. Using or threatening to use pesticides for self-harm has become a response to stressful events and a powerful message towards a specific individual, or to the outside world in general, conveying misgiving, anger, sadness, hopelessness, frustration, or simply a way to manipulate a situation to one's own advantage. The effects of alcohol misuse are especially important in understanding self-harm at the community level in terms of the impact they have on the domestic environment. Also, issues around “love affairs,” arranged marriages and domestic physical, sexual or psychological abuse in the domestic environment are referred to by many self-harmers or their relatives as a reason for ingesting poison. Clearly, easy access to lethal pesticides by impulsive individuals often living under economically or psychosocially stressful conditions, combined with insufficient treatment facilities and limited outreach programs, can be a deadly blend. A strategy aimed at reducing the availability of the most toxic pesticides and improving case management should be implemented, as it is likely to reduce death from pesticides although unlikely to impact on the number of episodes. Support to families plagued by domestic violence and male alcohol misuse is essential to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable and to reduce the number of self-harm episodes in the long-term.
Subject terms:
self-harm, sexual abuse, suicide, abuse, domestic violence;
... more likely to have had an episode of self-harm than their peers. In the year prior to proceedings, 4% of women in the cohort group had exposure to domestic violence and abuse recorded in their GP records 20 times the rate of women in the comparison group (0.2%). Men in both the cohort and comparison groups were less likely than women to have exposure to domestic violence and abuse recorded
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report exposes the heightened socioeconomic and health vulnerabilities of women and men involved in private law proceedings in Wales between 2014/15 and 2019/20. The research team analysed anonymised linked healthcare (GP and hospital admissions) and private law (Cafcass Cymru) data for 18,653 adults involved in their first private family law application, either as an applicant or a respondent, between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2020. Findings were compared to a group of 186,470 adults in the general population of Wales with similar demographic characteristics, matched on age, gender, local authority and deprivation quintile. The analysis reveals that adults involved in private law applications had higher levels of health service use in the year prior to proceedings than their peers in the comparison group differences were greatest for emergency or unplanned care. Both men and women involved in private law proceedings also had higher levels of mental health problems than their peers. Known substance use indicative of problem, harmful or hazardous use of alcohol and/or drugs was higher in the group of adults involved in private law proceedings. Men and women in private law proceedings were more likely to have had an episode of self-harm than their peers. In the year prior to proceedings, 4% of women in the cohort group had exposure to domestic violence and abuse recorded in their GP records 20 times the rate of women in the comparison group (0.2%). Men in both the cohort and comparison groups were less likely than women to have exposure to domestic violence and abuse recorded but the disparity between the two groups was greater than for women.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
legal proceedings, Family Courts, marriage breakdown, adults, vulnerable adults, health, mental health, self-harm, substance misuse, domestic violence;
A 22 month-old boy was admitted to hospital in November 2010 with serious head injuries and died a week later. The Father was found guilty of child neglect on the grounds that he failed to notify medical staff that his child had sustained a head injury whilst in his care. The mother had experienced domestic violence in the past, she had been harassed by her ex-partner, had financial issues and had self-harmed. All agencies were not aware of all of issues and the implications on her capacity to parent her two young children. Key messages include: carrying out assessments effectively; ensuring that the necessary action takes place; using all sources of information; valuing challenge, supervision and scrutiny; implementing effective multi-agency working; and focusing on good practice. Recommendations include the need to consider the wellbeing and safety of children who are being cared for by and adult with mental health needs; and that all agencies involved in Section 47 investigations to jointly review and re-assess new information as it emerges.
(Edited publisher abstract)
A 22 month-old boy was admitted to hospital in November 2010 with serious head injuries and died a week later. The Father was found guilty of child neglect on the grounds that he failed to notify medical staff that his child had sustained a head injury whilst in his care. The mother had experienced domestic violence in the past, she had been harassed by her ex-partner, had financial issues and had self-harmed. All agencies were not aware of all of issues and the implications on her capacity to parent her two young children. Key messages include: carrying out assessments effectively; ensuring that the necessary action takes place; using all sources of information; valuing challenge, supervision and scrutiny; implementing effective multi-agency working; and focusing on good practice. Recommendations include the need to consider the wellbeing and safety of children who are being cared for by and adult with mental health needs; and that all agencies involved in Section 47 investigations to jointly review and re-assess new information as it emerges.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child neglect, serious case reviews, death, head injuries, depression, self-harm, interagency cooperation, information sharing, pre-school children, domestic violence;
Child Abuse and Neglect, 35(3), March 2011, pp.210-219.
Publisher:
Elsevier
The aim of this study was to examine the indirect effects of sexual abuse and family conflict and/or violence on substance use and self-harming behaviour through the emotional reactions of anger and depressed mood. A cross-sectional national survey of over 9,000 16-19 year old students attending high schools in Iceland was conducted, using anonymous questionnaires administered by teachers. Participants reported frequency of sexual abuse, family conflict and/or violence, self-injurious behaviour, substance use, depressed mood, and anger. The results showed that sexual abuse and family conflict and/or violence had direct effects on self-injurious behaviour and substance use among both genders, and that their indirect effects on self-harming behaviour were twice as strong through depressed mood as through anger. The authors discuss the findings and conclude that the findings suggest that depressed mood among stressed adolescents generally does not create a disposition for substance use, unless it is accompanied by anger, but that depressed mood is an important mediator between stressful life events and self-injurious behaviour.
The aim of this study was to examine the indirect effects of sexual abuse and family conflict and/or violence on substance use and self-harming behaviour through the emotional reactions of anger and depressed mood. A cross-sectional national survey of over 9,000 16-19 year old students attending high schools in Iceland was conducted, using anonymous questionnaires administered by teachers. Participants reported frequency of sexual abuse, family conflict and/or violence, self-injurious behaviour, substance use, depressed mood, and anger. The results showed that sexual abuse and family conflict and/or violence had direct effects on self-injurious behaviour and substance use among both genders, and that their indirect effects on self-harming behaviour were twice as strong through depressed mood as through anger. The authors discuss the findings and conclude that the findings suggest that depressed mood among stressed adolescents generally does not create a disposition for substance use, unless it is accompanied by anger, but that depressed mood is an important mediator between stressful life events and self-injurious behaviour.
Subject terms:
self-harm, sexual abuse, stress, substance misuse, young people, aggression, depression, domestic violence, families;
Children and Youth Services Review, 32(7), July 2010, pp.1004-1011.
Publisher:
Elsevier
The aim of this study was to examine whether children and adolescents exposed to interparental physical and environmental violence have specific needs when seeking public mental health services compared to non-exposed outpatients. The participants were 520 children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 as well as their parents. These youngsters attended public mental health centres in the metropolitan area of Barcelona due to a several mental health problems. The participants were assessed for witnessing of intimate partner violence, psychopathology, functional impairment, and several individual and family variables. The results showed that living with violent parents at home increased the child's risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, dysthymia, self-harming behaviour, and functional impairment. Exposed children's mothers were more likely to overprotect their sons, punish their daughters and report greater psychopathology, whereas fathers who engaged in marital violence displayed greater emotional distress and were more likely to punish and reject their children. The child's sex moderated the effects of intimate partner violence on parenting, parental discipline, child's life events and health appraisal. Given the specific clinical profile of exposed children, mental health services should develop schedules to detect, assess, and treat these cases.
The aim of this study was to examine whether children and adolescents exposed to interparental physical and environmental violence have specific needs when seeking public mental health services compared to non-exposed outpatients. The participants were 520 children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 as well as their parents. These youngsters attended public mental health centres in the metropolitan area of Barcelona due to a several mental health problems. The participants were assessed for witnessing of intimate partner violence, psychopathology, functional impairment, and several individual and family variables. The results showed that living with violent parents at home increased the child's risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, dysthymia, self-harming behaviour, and functional impairment. Exposed children's mothers were more likely to overprotect their sons, punish their daughters and report greater psychopathology, whereas fathers who engaged in marital violence displayed greater emotional distress and were more likely to punish and reject their children. The child's sex moderated the effects of intimate partner violence on parenting, parental discipline, child's life events and health appraisal. Given the specific clinical profile of exposed children, mental health services should develop schedules to detect, assess, and treat these cases.
Subject terms:
mental health services, parenting, post traumatic stress disorder, self-harm, young people, children, depression, domestic violence;
This report provides an insight into the perceptions of children and young people who were held in Prison Service custody during 2001-03. It summarises the responses to surveys that sought the views of under-18s and paints a very varied picture where a young person's experience of custody depends upon where he or she was held. The purpose of this survey was to give young people held in custody the opportunity to comment on their experiences, especially the way in which they are treated, and the conditions in which they are held. Over an 18-month period (November 2001 to March 2003) all establishments holding people under the age of 18 have been surveyed on at least one occasion, usually as part of a formal inspection. This report aims to synthesise this information for the first time, and look at emerging themes and trends across the entire juvenile estate. In general, it has been very difficult to compare establishments, which are in many ways different from each other in terms of their size, location and population. The variance in responses, however, across establishments within both the male and female estates, highlights that juveniles have vastly different experiences of custody, which can only partly be explained through differences in establishment type.
This report provides an insight into the perceptions of children and young people who were held in Prison Service custody during 2001-03. It summarises the responses to surveys that sought the views of under-18s and paints a very varied picture where a young person's experience of custody depends upon where he or she was held. The purpose of this survey was to give young people held in custody the opportunity to comment on their experiences, especially the way in which they are treated, and the conditions in which they are held. Over an 18-month period (November 2001 to March 2003) all establishments holding people under the age of 18 have been surveyed on at least one occasion, usually as part of a formal inspection. This report aims to synthesise this information for the first time, and look at emerging themes and trends across the entire juvenile estate. In general, it has been very difficult to compare establishments, which are in many ways different from each other in terms of their size, location and population. The variance in responses, however, across establishments within both the male and female estates, highlights that juveniles have vastly different experiences of custody, which can only partly be explained through differences in establishment type.
Subject terms:
human rights, prisoners, self-harm, substance misuse, teenage parents, teenage pregnancy, young offenders, youth justice, custodial institutions, domestic violence;
... law. Specialist units for girls in adult prisons have been tried and failed not least because it is impossible to detach them totally from the rest of the prison. Even if physically separated from the adults, girls held in prison are still living in a punitive adult culture with high levels of self-harm, suicide, poor staff training and low staff ratios. Prisons are simply no place for children.
Describes the work helping 111 teenage girls in prison and is holding a colloquium to celebrate the ending of the use of prison for girls aged 15 and 16. It tells the stories of the girls; 55 had experienced family breakdown; 40 had drug or alcohol problems 19 self-injured; 9 had children and 11 were pregnant. Prison is inappropriate for girls and it breaches our obligations under international law. Specialist units for girls in adult prisons have been tried and failed not least because it is impossible to detach them totally from the rest of the prison. Even if physically separated from the adults, girls held in prison are still living in a punitive adult culture with high levels of self-harm, suicide, poor staff training and low staff ratios. Prisons are simply no place for children.
Clinical Social Work Journal, 31(4), Winter 2003, pp.419-436.
Publisher:
Springer
Place of publication:
New York
Many explanations have been given as to why men batter. Rarely are deep unconscious intrapsychic processes identified as contributing reasons. One way that violent men may use their partner to fill emotional needs is through the primitive defense of projective identification. Projective identification may be invoked by men to induce the other partner to carry split off threatening parts of the self that are too anxiety provoking to retain. The occurrence of projective identification could therefore be an important intrapsychic and interpersonal dynamic that contributes to the escalation of tension prior to the violent episode.
Many explanations have been given as to why men batter. Rarely are deep unconscious intrapsychic processes identified as contributing reasons. One way that violent men may use their partner to fill emotional needs is through the primitive defense of projective identification. Projective identification may be invoked by men to induce the other partner to carry split off threatening parts of the self that are too anxiety provoking to retain. The occurrence of projective identification could therefore be an important intrapsychic and interpersonal dynamic that contributes to the escalation of tension prior to the violent episode.
Subject terms:
interpersonal relationships, partner abuse, psychoanalysis, self-concept, self-esteem, self-harm, social work, social work methods, anxiety, domestic violence;
European Journal of Social Work, 6(1), 2003, pp.33-48.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
... seven survivors of attempted suicide and self harm; and four south Asian womens groups. The research explores: factors contributing to South Asian women's attempted suicide and self-harm, the ways in which personal distress are created and perpetuated by structural inequalities, the mirroring processes between helping agencies and families, survivors' experiences of helping agencies, and survivors'
Reports on a 10 month British study completed in April investigating service responses to women of South Asian background who have attempted suicide or self harmed within the Manchester area of the UK. The qualitative study was based on individual semi-structured interviews and group discussions with eight senior managers within commissioning and providing organisations; 18 worker discussions; seven survivors of attempted suicide and self harm; and four south Asian womens groups. The research explores: factors contributing to South Asian women's attempted suicide and self-harm, the ways in which personal distress are created and perpetuated by structural inequalities, the mirroring processes between helping agencies and families, survivors' experiences of helping agencies, and survivors' ideas about what would be more supportive to them. Highlights the specific experiences of South Asian women.
Subject terms:
self-harm, social care provision, South Asian people, women, Asian people, attempted suicide, commissioning, domestic violence, ethnicity;