Dargan, Peter and Reid, Graeme and Hodge, Suzanne (2016) Exploring the role of mental imagery in the experience of self-injury : an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 44 (1). pp. 92-103. ISSN 1352-4658
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Abstract
Background: Research has implicated causal, mediating and meaningful roles for mental imagery in the experience of psychological distress, including self-injury. Aims: The present study aimed to further the understanding of this relationship through exploring the lived experiences of mental imagery from the perspective of those who self-injure. Method: This study employed an inductive qualitative design using semi-structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Ten participants were recruited from universities in North West England. Results: Three main themes were identified from the analysis: (i) The origins and precipitants of self-injurious imagery; (ii) What it is like toexperience self-injurious imagery; and (iii) The meaning and interpretation of self-injurious imagery. Conclusions: The study findings indicate that mental imagery is an important experience for those who self-injure. Clinical and research implications of the findings are discussed.