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Experiences of self-injury and aggression among women admitted to forensic psychiatric care

Abstract Background: Self-injury and institutional violence are well-known characteristics of female forensic psychiatric patients, but research on patients’ experiences of these behaviours is limited. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate how female forensic psychiatric patients describe their self-injury and aggression. Methods: The authors performed qualitative in-depth interviews with 13 female forensic psychiatric inpatients. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in three themes describing the process of handling negative thoughts and emotions by using self-injury or aggression towards others and thereby experiencing satisfaction. Both self-injury and aggression were experienced as strategies for emotional regulation. The forensic psychiatric care was perceived as important for the women in developing less harmful strategies for coping with negative thoughts and emotions instead of injuring themselves or others. Conclusions: Self-injury and aggression are often risk-assessed separately, but results from the present study suggest that these behaviours need a more holistic approach.