Recovery Experiences of Female Participants with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Their Mothers: A Narrative Inquiry

Purpose: This study aimed to explore recovery experiences of mother-daughter dyads following non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), focusing on influence of maternal behaviors on the recovery process. Methods: A narrative inquiry was conducted using the three-dimensional narrative framework-temporality, sociality, and place. Two dyads, each comprising a woman with a history of NSSI and her mother, were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed via narrative configuration. Results: Maternal behaviors played a critical role in daughters’ recovery. Key maternal behaviors such as emotional caregiving, verbal acknowledgment of past parenting shortcomings, and participation in counseling played a decisive role in restoring relational trust and facilitating emotional regulation. In contrast, early responses involving emotional invalidation and excessive behavioral control impeded progress. A turning point was observed when mothers shifted from control-based parenting to emotionally attuned support. Conclusion: Findings of this study emphasize the importance of reflective parenting and relational responsiveness in NSSI recovery. This study offers practical implications for designing family-centered interventions that address both emotional and relational needs of individuals with a history of NSSI in clinical and community mental health settings.