Self-harm is a growing health problem. Nurses in a variety of healthcare settings
play a central role in the care of people who self-harm. Their professional attitudes
towards these people are essential for high-quality care. This review aims to develop
insight into nurses’ attitudes towards self-harm as they exist in contemporary nursing
practice. A literature search was conducted in four databases, and a total of 15
relevant articles were found. This review indicates that negative attitudes towards
self-harm are common among nurses. The influence of nurses’ age, gender and work
experience remains unclear. Healthcare setting and qualification level appear to be
influencing factors. Education can have a positive influence on nurses’ attitudes
towards self-harm, especially when it includes reflective and interactive components.
It is demonstrated in this review that a major change is needed regarding nurses’
attitudes. To realize this change, nurses need to be trained and educated adequately
concerning self-harm. They need time and resources to build a therapeutic relationship
with people who harm themselves so they can offer high-quality care for this
vulnerable group.
