Background
The ASCOT study responds to the increasing prevalence of self-harm among adolescents. Across multiple countries, including Norway, approximately 17% of adolescents aged 12–18 report self-harming behaviours. Self-harm refers to the intentional infliction of pain on one’s body (e.g., cutting, burning, or hitting) and is linked to mental health issues such as depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders, and is the highest risk factor for suicide. Only 30% is referred for treatment. Self-harm serves various psychosocial functions, such as control, relief, expression, and sharing complex emotions.
Even though engagement with SCO is posited as a risk behaviour that both triggers and prolongs self-harm, the question of how SCO engagement influence mental health and treatment is an extremely understudied topic. This qualitative study investigates the phenomenon of adolescents’ engagement with self-harm content online (SCO) found in images, texts, or videos shared via social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat), as well as facilitators and barriers to addressing the topic of SCO in treatment.
