Page 479 - Štemberger Tina, Čotar Konrad Sonja, Rutar Sonja, Žakelj Amalija. Ur. 2022. Oblikovanje inovativnih učnih okolij. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem
P. 479
The Approaches in Working
with Self-Harmed Students
Špela Vunderl
Vransko Tabor Elementary School
spela.vunderl@guest.arnes.si
Mitja Krajnčan
University of Primorska
mitja.krajncan@pef.upr.si
The purpose of this article is to explore and describe the phenomenon of self-
harm as a result of prolonged internal distress. We want to research the com-
plexity of the phenomenon of self-harm, analyse what leads young people to
such actions and how we can help. It is of great importance for teachers to
know a lot about this phenomenon, to cope with specifics of this population by
learning and teaching correspondingly. We presented the adolescent’s expe-
rience of oneself, what are the triggers and in what timeframe it comes to self-
harm. We analysed the data we had acquired with in-depth interviews with
three girls who have or had experience with self-harm and gave the reasons
for such behaviour. The results showed that self-harm calms them, puts them
down to earth, they feel inner peace and feel stronger. They redirect the phys-
ical pain, and it is certainly easier to control. Self-harm calms their depressing
thoughts and the emotional pain moves to external pain. All three intervie-
wees received professional help. The help of a professional depends on many
factors. The approaches the professionals use in their work are important. They
must offer such help that will be effective and will provide support to individu-
als. We are not aware enough of the severity of the problem of self-harm. Nega-
tive responses to self-harm of adolescents prevent the process of seeking help
and treatment. Adolescents remain alone with their distress.
Keywords: self-harm, pain, adolescent, distress, self-punishment
Introduction
Nowadays, distress and stress are our daily companions. Some cope well with
stress, but others, especially the young people, are unable to cope with the
stress. A distress that they cannot solve by themselves frequently occurs. This
is also accompanied by unhealthy relationships in family and school. They
are confronted with various difficulties and hardships. They experience life
as hopeless, pessimistic and full of problems. They feel weak and helpless
in resolving conflicts and they choose self-harm behaviour as the means of
escape (Cerar et al. 2011).
Štemberger, T., S. Čotar Konrad, S. Rutar in A. Žakelj, ur. 2022. Oblikovanje
inovativnih učnih okolij. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem.
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-139-1.479-488
with Self-Harmed Students
Špela Vunderl
Vransko Tabor Elementary School
spela.vunderl@guest.arnes.si
Mitja Krajnčan
University of Primorska
mitja.krajncan@pef.upr.si
The purpose of this article is to explore and describe the phenomenon of self-
harm as a result of prolonged internal distress. We want to research the com-
plexity of the phenomenon of self-harm, analyse what leads young people to
such actions and how we can help. It is of great importance for teachers to
know a lot about this phenomenon, to cope with specifics of this population by
learning and teaching correspondingly. We presented the adolescent’s expe-
rience of oneself, what are the triggers and in what timeframe it comes to self-
harm. We analysed the data we had acquired with in-depth interviews with
three girls who have or had experience with self-harm and gave the reasons
for such behaviour. The results showed that self-harm calms them, puts them
down to earth, they feel inner peace and feel stronger. They redirect the phys-
ical pain, and it is certainly easier to control. Self-harm calms their depressing
thoughts and the emotional pain moves to external pain. All three intervie-
wees received professional help. The help of a professional depends on many
factors. The approaches the professionals use in their work are important. They
must offer such help that will be effective and will provide support to individu-
als. We are not aware enough of the severity of the problem of self-harm. Nega-
tive responses to self-harm of adolescents prevent the process of seeking help
and treatment. Adolescents remain alone with their distress.
Keywords: self-harm, pain, adolescent, distress, self-punishment
Introduction
Nowadays, distress and stress are our daily companions. Some cope well with
stress, but others, especially the young people, are unable to cope with the
stress. A distress that they cannot solve by themselves frequently occurs. This
is also accompanied by unhealthy relationships in family and school. They
are confronted with various difficulties and hardships. They experience life
as hopeless, pessimistic and full of problems. They feel weak and helpless
in resolving conflicts and they choose self-harm behaviour as the means of
escape (Cerar et al. 2011).
Štemberger, T., S. Čotar Konrad, S. Rutar in A. Žakelj, ur. 2022. Oblikovanje
inovativnih učnih okolij. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem.
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-139-1.479-488
