Sarah Stanford1, Michael P Jones1, Deborah J Loxton2. 1. 1 Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia. 2. 2 Faculty of Health and Medicine (Public Health), University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: There is growing awareness of the range of psychosocial, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors related to self-harm, however this research is often limited by using cross-sectional or convenience samples. And while we generally assume that young adults who self-harm experience poorer long-term outcomes, longitudinal research is needed. This paper builds on prior research using a large, representative, longitudinal sample. METHODS: 5765 Australian women completed 5 surveys (age 18-23 to 31-36). Six-month self-harm was measured by self-report. We had two aims: firstly to predict future self-harm, separately for women with and without prior self-harm. Secondly, to identify outcomes 3 and 6 years following self-harm. RESULTS: Six-month self-harm prevalence was 2.5%. Predictors among women without recent self-harm included depression, dieting behaviours, number of male sexual partners, and abuse. Among women with recent or current self-harm, predictors were number of dieting behaviours, tiredness of life, and stress. Women who self-harmed reported poorer outcomes, namely greater difficulties in relationships at 3- and 6-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal risk factors for self-harm differed depending on prior self-harm status, and included depression, dieting behaviours, tiredness of life and stress. These factors may serve as warning signs for new or continued self-harm. This study offers new insight into long-term outcomes up to six years after self-harm, particularly with relationships.
OBJECTIVE: There is growing awareness of the range of psychosocial, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors related to self-harm, however this research is often limited by using cross-sectional or convenience samples. And while we generally assume that young adults who self-harm experience poorer long-term outcomes, longitudinal research is needed. This paper builds on prior research using a large, representative, longitudinal sample. METHODS: 5765 Australian women completed 5 surveys (age 18-23 to 31-36). Six-month self-harm was measured by self-report. We had two aims: firstly to predict future self-harm, separately for women with and without prior self-harm. Secondly, to identify outcomes 3 and 6 years following self-harm. RESULTS: Six-month self-harm prevalence was 2.5%. Predictors among women without recent self-harm included depression, dieting behaviours, number of male sexual partners, and abuse. Among women with recent or current self-harm, predictors were number of dieting behaviours, tiredness of life, and stress. Women who self-harmed reported poorer outcomes, namely greater difficulties in relationships at 3- and 6-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal risk factors for self-harm differed depending on prior self-harm status, and included depression, dieting behaviours, tiredness of life and stress. These factors may serve as warning signs for new or continued self-harm. This study offers new insight into long-term outcomes up to six years after self-harm, particularly with relationships.
Authors: Shirley B Wang; Kathryn R Fox; Chelsea Boccagno; Jill M Hooley; Patrick Mair; Matthew K Nock; Ann F Haynos Journal: J Abnorm Psychol Date: 2021-10
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Authors: Philippe Mortier; Gemma Vilagut; Beatriz Puértolas Gracia; Ana De Inés Trujillo; Itxaso Alayo Bueno; Laura Ballester Coma; María Jesús Blasco Cubedo; Narcís Cardoner; Cristina Colls; Matilde Elices; Anna Garcia-Altes; Manel Gené Badia; Javier Gómez Sánchez; Mario Martín Sánchez; Rosa Morros; Bibiana Prat Pubill; Ping Qin; Lars Mehlum; Ronald C Kessler; Diego Palao; Víctor Pérez Sola; Jordi Alonso Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-07-12 Impact factor: 2.692