Addressing Self-injury Stigma

Despite the many strides to advance the scientific and clinical understanding of self-injury, the behaviour and people who enact it remain highly stigmatised (see Staniland et al., 2021). With this in mind, we are dedicated to enhance the conceptualisation of self-injury stigma (e.g., Staniland et al., 2021), identify its sources (e.g., Lewis et al., 2014, 2023), understand its impact (e.g., Hasking et al., 2022; Lewis et al., in review; Pugh et al., 2023), and importantly, to combat its many manifestations (e.g., Lewis et al., 2021).

Given its many forms and widespread nature, tackling stigma necessitates a multifaceted approach. To this end, we have embarked on research, outreach, and advocacy initiatives. For example, Dr. Lewis gave a TEDx Talk and has published peer-review narratives to challenge canonical understandings of self-injury and mental health challenges (e.g., Lewis, 2016). Our team has also been involved in publishing a number of calls-to-action with concrete recommendations for greater inclusion of people with lived experience in self-injury research (Lewis & Hasking, 2019; Lewis & Hasking, 2023; Hasking et al., 2023) and the discipline of psychology more broadly (Victor et al., 2020). More recently, we have been involved in initiatives that go beyond self-injury and lobby for the inclusion of people with lived experience of broader mental health difficulties in psychology training programs and work settings (e.g., Victor et al., 2022a, 2022b).

A current thrust in our research to address stigma is the use of participatory methods (e.g., Hasking et al., 2023 Lewis et al., 2022). To support this work, we have received tri-council funding and actively involve people with lived experience through all stages of the research process. We also routinely engage in outreach initiatives through our non-profit website and work to reach a diverse audience by way of publishing in non-academic sectors, media engagement, and other advocacy efforts.