Posts about non-suicidal self-harm on the internet

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the themes related to non-suicidal self-harm in blog posts. METHODS: Qualitative study conducted on the Tumblr platform. By searching for the term “self-harm”, the first 250 posts in Portuguese in text or quote format were selected and classified by Tumblr as the most popular. The collected data were transcribed and submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS: The categories helplessness and ongoing suffering were the main themes addressed in the posts. Pro-suicidal behavior was cited as the only way to end suffering considered permanent. The themes of prevention and support provision were portrayed in the minority of posts and in some situations were related to criticism, depreciation, opposition and lack of understanding. CONCLUSION: Actions to promote and prevent self-harm behavior should be implemented both through direct contact and in virtual environments. These actions need to address coping strategies, recognition of requests for help and provision of support for people with self-harm or suicidal behavior. The importance of designing groups that offer support to face the vulnerabilities of people who practice self-harm and future studies on non-suicidal self-harm is understood.