Deliberate self-harm in adolescents: hopelessness, depression, problems and problem-solving

This study looks at a group of adolescents who have taken overdoses and examines the type and severity of their problems. It measures hopelessness and depression, and whether these adolescents feel their parents understand them. The study also examines the ways in which these adolescents perceive their overdose as a problem-solving mechanism.The study shows that hopelessness in adolescent self-harm is an important independent variable over and above the level of depression. The adolescents report a wide range of problems with severe and significant problems particularly in the area of family relationships and school.Finally, the paper postulates links between severity of problems, hopelessness and deficits in problem-solving abilities, and suggests areas for potential therapeutic interventions.