"Osynliga orchidébarn" - Självskadebeteende hos ungdomar sett ur de professionellas perspektiv

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study was to examine the professionals´ views concerning self-harm behaviour in adolescents they meet. We interviewed nine different professionals. Our questions were: What do the professionals believe are the reasons to self-harm? How do the professionals experience self esteem and identity in adolescents with self-harm behaviour? How do the professionals look at the self-harm behaviour from a gender perspective? How do the professionals think a diagnosis can affect adolescents with self-harm behaviour? In our responses we noticed beliefs about the cause as a combination of environmental relationships and the individual who is born with a certain vulnerability. The professionals believe that the adolescents have trouble finding their identity. They have a poor self esteem and feel ashamed because of their behaviour. The interviewed agree to the conclusion that boys also have a self-harm behaviour, but not to the same great extent. The professionals don't think boys are outspoken about self-harm, because it's not a "masculine" behaviour. A diagnosis can be a relief. It can also be a way to label a person, according to the professionals. The individual may only be seen as the diagnosis instead of the true person.