Volume 14, Number 2, December 2004

Adolescent Self-Cutters in Hong Kong

This paper is a report of a qualitative study on self-cutting of secondary school adolescents in Hong Kong. By means of in-depth interviews with three adolescents with self-cutting behaviours, their family members and peers, the cause, process and patterns of self-cutting were explored. The findings showed that the selfcutting was influenced by the adolescents' self-image, their sense of ambivalence, emptiness and frustration, their problems in dealing with interpersonal problems and their abilities to regulate their emotions. It was also affected by related sociocultural contexts, communication and interaction between the adolescents and their significant others. A holistic perspective is suggested in the intervention of adolescent with self-cutting behaviours.

Kam-shing Yip is an Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Mee-yuk Ngan is a Social Work Supervisor with the Hong Kong Children & Youth Services.

Irene Lam is Social Worker with the Hong Kong Children & Youth Services.