Work

Self-Injury and the Treatment Gap: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Beliefs About Causal Variables and Treatment Goals Among Caregivers, Researchers, and Clinicians

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: There is a gap between individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who need treatment for self-injurious behavior (SIB) and those who receive it. One contributing factor may be a multiplicity of beliefs about the nature of SIB and its treatment. Methods: Using reflexive thematic analysis, we interviewed and integrated two knowledge sources: the perspectives of family caregivers for individuals with SIB and IDD and the perspectives of clinicians and researchers who treat and study self-injury. Results: We present results from two primary belief categories: perceptions of causal variables and treatment goals. Conclusion: By contextualizing the current paradigms of research and practice in self-injury as siloed depending on whether an individual does or does not have IDD, we discuss ways to deepen our understanding of the process of treatment provision for self-injurious behavior to inform efforts to close the treatment gap.

Source: Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities

DOI: 10.1080/19315864.2024.2424744

Authors: Caroline L. Roberts, Madilyn Larsh, Frank Symons

Institution: University of Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral and Psychological Studies

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: University of Minnesota, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development