Uncovering the Mystery of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Selected Filipino Adolescents: A Grounded Theory Approach

A growing number of adolescents who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) have been reported worldwide. Despite numerous investigations about NSSI, this self-harming behavioral process mostly found among adolescents has not been examined much in non-western countries like the Philippines. This grounded theory study purports to investigate and understand the dynamic process of deliberate self-harm among 20 Filipino adolescents performing non-suicidal self-injury. Field texts were analyzed using repertory grid and with-in and cross-case analysis. Thick description of data and saturation, prolonged engagement, member checking technique, triangulation, theoretical sampling, bracketing, peer debriefers, self-reflective journals, and audit trails were likewise employed to ensure trustworthiness of findings. Results of the individual interviews conducted were able to explain the phenomenon and a four-phased process surfaced to characterize non-suicidal self-injury. The R.I.S.E. of the Phoenix illustrates how Filipino adolescents experience engaging with non-suicidal self-injury in four phases: (1) ruining, (2) impassing, (3) separating, and (4) emerging. Considering this process may equip psychological health personnel with the knowledge on relevant interventions in providing comprehensive support to Filipino adolescent self-harmers.