Systematic Review of Best Practice Guidance for Schools to Respond to Self-Harm
Date
Authors
Bowden, Linda
Fortune, Sarah
Hetrick, Sarah Elisabeth
Meinhardt, Inge
Donkin, Liesje
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract
Self-harm rates among adolescents continue to increase globally, placing an increased demand on schools to respond to and manage young people who engage in self-harm. Schools in developed countries report being ill-equipped to manage self-harm, and unsure of how to use the evidence available to guide them. The methods used in this systematic review are based on Cochrane methodology. We conducted a search of peer-reviewed publications from three databases; PsycINFO, (OVID) MEDLINE and EMBASE published in English from 1990 until 30 September 2022 and completed a grey literature search via Google. Two authors (LB and SH) extracted data from publications that provides guidance, actions and/or recommendations to school-based professionals (any school staff including school pastoral care) on the management of self-harm. The breadth of recommendations made to schools are discussed. Studies suggest schools need specific advice about role and responsibility to effectively respond to and manage self-harm in school settings. Evidenced based, action-oriented guidelines for schools to respond to self-harm is required.Description
Keywords
5201 Applied and Developmental Psychology, 5203 Clinical and Health Psychology, 39 Education, 3904 Specialist Studies In Education, 52 Psychology, Pediatric Research Initiative, 3904 Specialist studies in education, Self-harm, Suicide prevention, School, Practice, Guidelines, Youth
Source
School Mental Health, ISSN: 1866-2625 (Print); 1866-2633 (Online), Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 1-34. doi: 10.1007/s12310-026-09871-5
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