The ontological realism perspective specifies risk as objective and independent of our experiences and perceptions. Risk is inherently uncertain and necessitates a degree of tolerance for adverse outcomes. 


Grand Valley State University

Society considers self-harm a deviant and distressing behavior and those who are suffering are often mischaracterized as violent, unstable, and/or suicidal. Additionally, risk assessments often center around the authority of the practitioner and can further push service users away from seeking help. 

The Stigma of Self-Harm

Woodley, S., Hodge, S., Jones, K., & Holding, A. (2020). How Individuals Who Self-Harm Manage Their Own Risk—‘I Cope Because I Self-Harm, and I Can Cope with my Self-Harm’. Psychological Reports. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294120945178

How individuals who self-harm manage their own risk—‘I cope because I self-harm, and I can cope with my self-harm’

Ontological Realism and Self-Harm

Sociologist argue blame is a product of society and that it prevents the consideration of "positive risk taking", or weighing risks and benefits of a behavior, because it does not allow for the complex realities of those suffering from self-harm urges. Movement towards a culture that  appropriate for risk management involves services which value equality and empathy. 

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