Cultural dimensions of nonsuicidal self-injury: A Malaysian perspective

• Main Authors: Janet Ann, Fernandez, Rafidah Aga, Mohd Jaladin, Poh Li, Lau
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications Inc. 2022
• Subjects: BF Psychology
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/45801/1/Cultural.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/45801/; https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00846724221126755; https://doi.org/10.1177/00846724221126755
• Institution: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Self-injury is a perilous and increasingly common behavior that is particularly prevalent among youth. Nonetheless, there is a deep-rooted public stigma towards people who self-injure. Consequently, people who engage in self-injury are reluctant to seek professional help or disclose their experiences to others. This article aims to combat stigma and promote help-seeking behavior by debunking the common myths surrounding self-injury in the Malaysian context. Specifically, this article aims to serve as an eye-opener for Malaysian counselors and other mental health professionals to improve their multicultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes when working with those who self-injure.