Culturally and structurally embedded pathways to youth self-harm in Rwanda: perspectives from young people, parents, and healthcare providers

Findings extend existing psychological theories by evidencing culturally embedded pathways to youth self-harm, where distress is produced and sustained through a mixture of individual experience, structural hardship, social exclusion, and cultural belief systems. Effective prevention requires cross-sectoral strategies addressing poverty, education, family support, and community mental health. Community-based approaches fostering emotional expression and reducing stigma could play a crucial role in prevention and recovery. The insights generated are transferable to other LMICs facing similar social and structural challenges.