Predicting deliberate self-harm in adolescents: a six month prospective study

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2009 Aug;39(4):364-75. doi: 10.1521/suli.2009.39.4.364.

Abstract

Few studies have investigated the extent to which psychosocial/psychological factors are associated with the prediction of deliberate self-harm (DSH) among adolescents. In this study, 737 pupils aged 15-16 years completed a lifestyle and coping survey at time one and 500 were followed up six months later. Six point two percent of the respondents (n = 31) reported an act of DSH between Time 1 and Time 2. In multivariate analyses, worries about sexual orientation, history of sexual abuse, family DSH, anxiety, and self-esteem were associated with repeat DSH during the course of the study, but history of sexual abuse was the only factor predictive of first-time DSH. The findings suggest that school-based programs focused on how young people cope with psychosocial stressors may offer promise.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mass Screening*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Scotland / epidemiology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / prevention & control*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires