[Last modified: October, 22 2024 02:43 PM]
Used to be a psychiatrist, my commitment to mental health care deeply informs my positionality in researching non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among Chinese adolescents and their family systems. My professional background compels me to approach this topic not merely as an academic pursuit but as a critical issue that affects the well-being of young individuals. This has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to explore the underlying factors contributing to NSSI, particularly in the context of family dynamics, which often play a significant role.
My positionality as a psychiatrist brings both strengths and challenges to this research. On the one hand, my clinical training allows me to approach the topic with a deep understanding of mental health, self-harm behaviors, and the psychological mechanisms that drive such actions. I am equipped with the skills to recognize signs of distress, interpret the language of emotional pain, and understand the various ways adolescents may communicate their struggles. This background provides me with a lens through which I can explore NSSI behaviors not just as isolated acts but as part of a broader narrative of mental health, familial expectations, and cultural pressures.
On the other hand, I am also aware that my clinical perspective may introduce biases. In my practice, I am accustomed to seeking solutions, offering diagnoses, and proposing treatments. This problem-solving approach, while useful in a therapeutic setting, could influence how I interpret the behaviors and experiences of the adolescents in my research. I should be cautious not to pathologize or oversimplify their experiences by imposing a clinical framework where a more nuanced, anthropological perspective is required. This awareness pushes me to remain reflexive, continually questioning how my professional identity shapes my interactions, interpretations, and conclusions.
Additionally, my cultural background as a researcher who may share certain cultural norms with the participants adds another layer to my positionality. While it may allow me to build trust and understand cultural nuances, it also necessitates careful self-reflection to avoid making assumptions based on shared cultural values. Concepts like “face” (miànzi) and filial piety (xiào) are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and can influence how adolescents express distress and how families respond. My familiarity with these concepts can be advantageous, but it also requires me to critically assess whether I am projecting my own understandings onto the participants’ experiences.
In conclusion, I am driven by the obligation to help those struggling with self-injury, but I must remain vigilant about the ways my background influences my research.