On the Risks of Medicalization of Adolescents Self-Injuring Acts

Although common among community adolescents, self-injuring acts are mainly studied by psychiatrists and psychologists rarely social work researchers. The preponderance of medical research in the field has come to associate with mental issues. This view a large extent been adopted professionals as well laypeople. When examining adolescents’ unsolicited internet published narratives, this medicalization was found have negative consequences for disclosure help-seeking, hence limit possibilities get adequate help support. main objective is study views on hampering factors help-seeking role medicalisation their willingness help-seeking. Disclosure within network described met demands seek professional help. Seeking accompanied fear being perceived crazy or diagnosed mentally ill. Internet websites were value free safe arenas giving opportunity disclose without stigmatized labelled An extended involvement researchers professionals, approaching not primarily sign problems, but an adolescent way trying manage complicated context, could enhance finding support systems. It also necessary that profession contributes demedicalization acts.