Rosanne Cawley1, Eleanor E Pontin2, Jade Touhey2, Kate Sheehy2, Peter James Taylor3. 1. Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom. Electronic address: rosanne.cawley@liverpool.ac.uk. 2. Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom. 3. Division of Psychology & Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rejection is an adverse experience that may help explain the heightened risk of self-harm and suicide amongst many societal groups. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the relationship between rejection experiences and self-harm and suicidal ideation. METHOD: The databases PsychINFO, CINAHL, Medline and Web of Science were searched from inception until May 2017 using key search terms. Quantitative studies were included if they were; (i) mean sample age over 18; (ii) in the English language; (iii) and had a measure of self-harm or suicidal behaviour and a measure of rejection. The results were synthesised narratively. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were identified for the review. Fifteen out of the eighteen studies found a significant positive association between rejection and self-harm. This association was identified within several marginalised groups known to be at risk of self-harm, including those from lesbian, gay or bisexual sexuality or those who identify as transgender. LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity between the measures of self-harm, suicidal behaviour and rejection, as well as the lack of longitudinal analyses made it difficult to draw firm conclusions. CONCLUSION: Perceived rejection may leave some individuals at risk of self-harm and might account for the elevated risk in marginalised societal groups. Interventions focused on modifying rejection experiences may help reduce the risk of self-harm in this population.
BACKGROUND: Rejection is an adverse experience that may help explain the heightened risk of self-harm and suicide amongst many societal groups. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the relationship between rejection experiences and self-harm and suicidal ideation. METHOD: The databases PsychINFO, CINAHL, Medline and Web of Science were searched from inception until May 2017 using key search terms. Quantitative studies were included if they were; (i) mean sample age over 18; (ii) in the English language; (iii) and had a measure of self-harm or suicidal behaviour and a measure of rejection. The results were synthesised narratively. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were identified for the review. Fifteen out of the eighteen studies found a significant positive association between rejection and self-harm. This association was identified within several marginalised groups known to be at risk of self-harm, including those from lesbian, gay or bisexual sexuality or those who identify as transgender. LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity between the measures of self-harm, suicidal behaviour and rejection, as well as the lack of longitudinal analyses made it difficult to draw firm conclusions. CONCLUSION: Perceived rejection may leave some individuals at risk of self-harm and might account for the elevated risk in marginalised societal groups. Interventions focused on modifying rejection experiences may help reduce the risk of self-harm in this population.
Authors: Brooke A Ammerman; Kristen M Sorgi; Martha K Fahlgren; Alexander A Puhalla; Michael S McCloskey Journal: J Psychiatr Res Date: 2021-09-03 Impact factor: 4.791