RT Article
T1 Exploring the correlates of head-banging behaviour in a female forensic mental health unit: a mixed-methods study
JF The journal of forensic psychiatry & psychology
VO 35
IS 6
SP 919
OP 934
A1 Etter, Aubane
A2 Wong, Yoke
A2 Chiwandire, Arthur
A2 Yusef, Siham
A2 Stokes, Nicholas
LA English
YR 2024
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1909885894
AB 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.
K1 female patients
K1 Forensic Mental Health
K1 Inpatient
K1 head-banging
K1 Self-harm
DO 10.1080/14789949.2024.2389263