Understanding Factors Relevant to Self-Injurious Behavior in a High-Risk Secure Psychiatric Sample Developing the Theory-Driven Measure of Self-Injurious Behavior Engagement

Abstract

A measure for the assessment of self-injurious behaviour is developed. Commencing with a Delphi comprised of 33 experts; detached experts (academics), experts by exposure (staff) and experts by experience (patients), the Theory-driven Measure of Self-Injurious Behaviour Engagement (TM-SIBE) is outlined. This is then examined in two samples; high secure psychiatric male patients (n = 76) and high secure psychiatric nursing staff (n = 100; 50 men, 50 women). We predicted that all components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the capacity, belongness and burdensomeness elements of the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behaviour (IPTSB) would be confirmed as important inclusions. Results initially demonstrated the importance of including intention, perceived behavioural control, affect, capacity, burdensomeness. The role of environmental and individual factors, such as coping, were captured as additional variables of value. However, the structure of items differed between patients and staff. Being valued consistently represented a core consideration, as did capacity and affect. Directions for future research are indicated.