Behind Online Narratives: A Qualitative Investigation on Associations between the Methods and Motivations of Self-Harm

Self-harm (SH) can be defined as behavior that intentionally damages the body using means that are not socially sanctioned. Additionally, the use of social media to form online communities around SH has also become more widespread. In these communities, members create spaces to communicate, share experiences, seek support and advice, while mostly maintaining anonymity. Given the unique context that members in these communities find themselves in, this study aims to explore first-person narratives across three SH communities on Reddit to identify links between disclosed methods of SH and the motivations stated for engaging in this behavior. Posts were collected from 01/01/20 to 31/12/23 from three Reddit communities: r/selfharm, r/MadeofStyrofoam, and r/AdultSelfHarm. After filtering for inclusion criteria and a predefined list of keywords related to SH methods, a random sample of 500 posts was extracted, proportionate to the frequency of posts in each community. These were then coded for SH method, motivations based on the four-function model (FFM) of non-suicidal self-injury, specific functions within the FFM, SH location, ongoing nature of the behavior, presence of suicidal ideation or attempts, and feelings associated with the act. Preliminary analyses show Cutting (70.9%) as the most used SH method, followed by Scratching (8.2%), Hitting (5.8%) and Burning (4.5%). Regarding motivations, frequencies indicate affect regulation (29,42%) and sensation seeking (15,80%) as the most mentioned, while social unspecified (4,38 %) and communication (0,94%) were less frequent. It’s important to mention that 31.2 % of units either did not mention a motivation or were not classifiable in the FFM. This preliminary data might be helpful to inspire future research but also could influence future treatment. This research shows how more individualized treatment is necessary, and how motivations are broad and vary from bias.