HURTING TO HEAL: THE ROLE OF BELONGINGNESS IN SELF HARMING ADULTS

Abstract

Self-harm is a complex behavior often influenced by interpersonal contexts, with belongingness emerging as a critical determinant of vulnerability and resilience. Understanding its dual role may offer valuable insights for prevention and intervention. The study aimed to explore belongingness as a potential risk or protective factor in the experiences of self-harming adults. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, using purposive sampling to recruit self-harming adults aged 18–25. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). to identify master and sub-themes. The results revealed three master themes—Family, Friends, and Relationships. Within Family, a vulnerable family system acted as a causing factor, while supportive family dynamics functioned as protective. In the Friends theme, feeling misunderstood emerged as a causing factor, whereas supportive friendships served as a protective factor. The Relationships theme was dominated by causing factors, including communication challenges, separation, casual relationships, and feelings of abandonment. The findings suggest that belongingness plays a dual role in self-harming adults, operating as both a risk and a protective factor depending on relational quality. Strengthening supportive family and peer bonds while addressing relational vulnerabilities may transform belongingness into a powerful protective resource in clinical and therapeutic contexts.