Abstract:
Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a major social issue and public health concern in New Zealand (NZ). The existing literature fails to provide understandings and experiences of DSH that reflects the unique cultural perspectives, definitions and clinical correlates of DSH, as it occurs within a PI context in NZ. Given these limitations, the present study explored PI mental health, addiction and social work professionals’ understandings, and perceptions of DSH behaviours of PI people residing in NZ. Methods: The Talanoa cultural qualitative research methodology was adopted to address the research aims of this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 key informants of Pacific ethnic descent. ‘Nvivo’ software was used to analyse the interview data. Findings: DSH was predominately defined by informants as being ‘non-suicidal in intent’. It was found to have emotion-regulation functions and other non-suicidal motivations. The prevalence of DSH among PI was thought to be on the rise. A wide-range of associated risk factors for PI people emerged with some age-specific and culturally-specific precipitating factors. It was found that ‘Pacific for Pacific’ services and PI Teams within mainstream services were thought to provide culturally appropriate services in treating DSH behaviours of PI clients. Culturally appropriate psychoeducational and awareness programs/campaigns that promote psychological well-being, and address DSH specifically, were suggested. Beyond these, initiatives that foster family, spiritual and cultural connectedness and addressed social issues were recommended. Conclusion: This research provides a comprehensive insight and overview on Pacific health professionals’ understanding and perspective of DSH among PI peoples in NZ. Future recommendations include the development of national intervention and prevention programs that specifically addresses NSSI behaviours in this group. An inter-sectorial approach to address social issues facing PI populations to protect them against risk of DSH is strongly needed.
