Exploring the correlates of head-banging behaviour in a female forensic mental health unit: a mixed-methods study
Despite the documented high prevalence of head-banging being used as a form of self-harm in forensic settings, little research has investigated its correlation with demographic and clinical factors. This mixed-methods study explores head-banging episodes (n = 145) within a female forensic mental hea...
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| Contributors: | ; ; ; |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2024
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| In: |
The journal of forensic psychiatry & psychology
Year: 2024, Volume: 35, Issue: 6, Pages: 919-934 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
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| Summary: | Despite the documented high prevalence of head-banging being used as a form of self-harm in forensic settings, little research has investigated its correlation with demographic and clinical factors. This mixed-methods study explores head-banging episodes (n = 145) within a female forensic mental health unit in England between 2019 and 2021. Using between-groups analyses, the study identifies clinical and demographic risk factors associated with head-banging behaviour in the sample. Results showed that White ethnicity, younger age, and a diagnosis of personality disorder were associated with an increased likelihood of head-banging. A subsequent regression analysis underscored the statistical significance of White ethnicity and younger age as predictors of head-banging behaviour in the sample. A thematic analysis of descriptive incident reports provided insights into the underlying psychological factors driving head-banging behaviour, which often emerged as a response to interpersonal factors or psychotic symptomatology. It is hypothesised that head-banging may vary in function across diagnoses. Further research should focus on using in-depth qualitative methods to better understand the functions of head-banging, developing effective management strategies for head-banging, as well as assessing its impact on healthcare staff. |
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| ISSN: | 1478-9957 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/14789949.2024.2389263 |