An exploratory study of women prisoners’ attitudes towards their self-harm and the use of medical skin camouflage

Gutridge, Kerry; Dunlop, Brendan J.; Patterson, Megan; Mitchell, Heather; Philbin, Jennifer; Walker, Tammi; Ranote, Sandeep; Robinson, Louise; Abel, Kathryn M.

Abstract

Self-harm is a growing problem in UK prisons with women self-harming more than men. Self-harm can leave permanent scarring. Research on scarring suggests that living with scars can lead to psychological difficulties; however, there is little research on the specific effects of self-harm scars. Medical skin camouflage (MSC) can be used to cover numerous skin conditions. The use of MSC for women in prison with self-harm scars has not been examined previously. A focus group involving 10 women prisoners aimed to (1) explore feelings about self-harm scars, (2) examine effects that scars have on life in prison and (3) examine thoughts on using MSC in prison. This group formed part of a larger project designed to test the feasibility and acceptability of MSC for women who self-harm in prison. A topic guide was created with two service user researchers with experience of self-harm in prison. The results have been divided into three themes: (1) feelings about self-harm scars, (2) covering self-harm scars and (3) attitudes towards MSC. Our findings indicate that women in prison tend to feel embarrassed and self-conscious about their scars, and the presence of scars affects their relationships within prison. The women were enthusiastic about MSC, suggesting that it has the potential to affect women’s well-being and ability to engage with others.

Citation

Gutridge, K., Dunlop, B. J., Patterson, M., Mitchell, H., Philbin, J., Walker, T., Ranote, S., Robinson, L., & Abel, K. M. (2019). An exploratory study of women prisoners’ attitudes towards their self-harm and the use of medical skin camouflage. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 30(1), 167-184. https://doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2018.1530285

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 26, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Nov 7, 2018
• Publication Date: Jan 2, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 22, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1478-9949
• Electronic ISSN: 1478-9957
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 167-184
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2018.1530285
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3534767