Purpose

This study aims to analyse the self-injury experiences of two adult women, exploring how sociocultural factors shaped their behaviours from adolescence into adulthood, and how they navigate societal expectations around mental health and emotional regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology was employed to examine the women’s narratives, focusing on how societal norms and institutions influence their behaviours and identities.

Findings

The study suggests that self-injury can be understood as a form of resistance against societal control, particularly in the realm of mental health. The women defy societal expectations of emotional maturity, reclaiming agency and resisting labels such as “mentally unwell.” Their experiences highlight the interplay of shame, stigma and secrecy and also reflect a broader struggle to reject psychiatric categorization and medicalization of their behaviour.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of self-injury as a complex form of agency and resistance, challenging traditional psychiatric and medical narratives. It provides insights into how adult women negotiate their social identities in defiance of oppressive societal norms, offering a deeper understanding of self-injury within the context of mental health stigma and emotional regulation.