Re-imagining Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Youth
Re-imagining Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Youth
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Issue Date
2014-07
Authors
Nicolson, Kelly
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Abstract
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a complex problem that persists for youth despite schools' attempts to manage the problem through risk management protocols and practices. The following paper will examine current school based programs and practices that are implemented in order to manage youth NSSI. Informed by a social constructivist perspective, which values language, the construction of shared meaning, and the importance of dialogue, this research suggests that current NSSI risk management practices construct youth NSSI to be a "tame" problem. This construction poses certain limitations on how the problem is understood and how educators can work with youth in schools. By reimagining youth NSSI as a "wicked" problem, that is a complex and multi-faceted societal issue with no clear solution, innovative approaches to working with youth in schools become available.