Balancing Harm and Support - A methodological, relational and clinical exploration of participation in unmoderated online communities centered around self-harming and suicidal behavior

PhD defence by Malene Eiberg Holm

Assessment Committee

Associate professor Maria Faurholt-Jepsen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Professor Rikke Jørgensen, Aarhus University
Professor emeritus Bengt Eirik Karlsson, University of South-Eastern Norway

Supervisors

Professor Merete Nordentoft
Professor Maj Vinberg
Senior Researcher Kate Aamund Andreasson
Associate Professor Kim Jørgensen
Professor Julie Midtgaard

Department

Department of Clinical Medicine

Graduate Programme

Psychiatry

Place

Building: 10B, Room: Auditoriet, Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 10B, 2900 Hellerup

Email address to gain access to the thesis: malene.eiberg.holm@regionh.dk.

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Short description of the thesis

This PhD explores how people engage in unmoderated online communities centered on self-harm and suicidal behavior, and what this means for care, support, and clinical practice. While such spaces are often seen as harmful, the research shows they can also offer connection, understanding, and peer support. Drawing on qualitative studies and co-creation with users and clinicians, the thesis examines how individuals navigate both risk and support in these environments. The findings highlight a critical gap between online experiences and clinical care, and call for more nuanced, relational approaches to self-harm that acknowledge the complex role of digital communities in people’s lives.