The lived experiences of primary caregivers supporting adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: a qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation
- 1Chongqing Mental Health Center , ,
Abstract
Objectives: To systematically identify, appraise, and synthesize qualitative evidence on the lived experiences, caregiving challenges, and support needs of primary caregivers of adolescents engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and CBM for English- and Chinese-language studies published through December 31, 2025. Two reviewers independently screened studies, appraised methodological quality using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and extracted findings with supporting illustrations. Evidence was synthesized using JBI meta-aggregation, and confidence in the synthesized findings was assessed using ConQual.
Results: 17 studies conducted across 5 countries and involving 395 primary caregivers were included. 77 findings were aggregated into 11 categories and 5 synthesized findings (1): Emotional shock, persistent distress, and stigma following NSSI discovery (2); Disruption of family relationships, functioning, and everyday life (3); Difficulties understanding NSSI and developing caregiving competence (4); Barriers to support and unmet needs for coordinated services; and (5) Adaptation, reflective change, and the emergence of resilience.
Conclusion: The evidence portrays caregiving for adolescents with NSSI as a context-dependent and evolving process in which substantial emotional and practical burdens may coexist with gradual adaptation. These findings support evaluating non-blaming, family-centered care that strengthens caregiver well-being and competence and improves cross-sector coordination.
Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ , identifier CRD420251113508.
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BibTeX
@article{he2026lived,
title = {{The lived experiences of primary caregivers supporting adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: a qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation}},
author = {Xubin He and Xinghong Xu and Ping Yang and Chunyan Xie and Bo Yang},
journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1817553},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13662121},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The lived experiences of primary caregivers supporting adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: a qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation
AU - Xubin He
AU - Xinghong Xu
AU - Ping Yang
AU - Chunyan Xie
AU - Bo Yang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/30
JO - Frontiers in psychiatry
DO - 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1817553
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13662121
AB - Objectives: To systematically identify, appraise, and synthesize qualitative evidence on the lived experiences, caregiving challenges, and support needs of primary caregivers of adolescents engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and CBM for English- and Chinese-language studies published through December 31, 2025. Two reviewers independently screened studies, appraised methodological quality using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and extracted findings with supporting illustrations. Evidence was synthesized using JBI meta-aggregation, and confidence in the synthesized findings was assessed using ConQual. Results: 17 studies conducted across 5 countries and involving 395 primary caregivers were included. 77 findings were aggregated into 11 categories and 5 synthesized findings (1): Emotional shock, persistent distress, and stigma following NSSI discovery (2); Disruption of family relationships, functioning, and everyday life (3); Difficulties understanding NSSI and developing caregiving competence (4); Barriers to support and unmet needs for coordinated services; and (5) Adaptation, reflective change, and the emergence of resilience. Conclusion: The evidence portrays caregiving for adolescents with NSSI as a context-dependent and evolving process in which substantial emotional and practical burdens may coexist with gradual adaptation. These findings support evaluating non-blaming, family-centered care that strengthens caregiver well-being and competence and improves cross-sector coordination. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ , identifier CRD420251113508.
SN - 1664-0640
ER -