Citation

Low G, Jones D, Macleod A, Power M, Duggan C. Br. J. Med. Psychol. 2000; 73(2): 269-278.

Affiliation

Rampton Hospital, Retford, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, British Psychological Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10874484

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Childhood trauma is known to be an important antecedent in those who engage in deliberate self-harm (DSH). We aimed to explore the mediating mechanisms between childhood trauma and subsequent DSH in a sample of women detained in a high secure setting. METHOD: From a previous incidence study into DSH, we subdivided a group of 50 women as follows: non-harmers (N = 13), infrequent harmers (N = 22) and frequent harmers (N = 15). These three groups were then compared on several measures believed to be associated with DSH. RESULTS: The frequency of DSH was related to low self-esteem, increased dissociation, anger (both inwardly and outwardly directed), impulsivity, and a history of sexual and physical abuse. When these variables were entered into a path analytic model exploring the relationship between childhood trauma and subsequent DSH, two paths emerged: one major path which linked childhood sexual abuse to DSH via increased dissociation and another, more minor association, linking childhood sexual abuse via reduced self-esteem. CONCLUSION: This study shows a strong association between high levels of dissociation and an increased frequency of self-harming behaviour. This association is theoretically plausible and has therapeutic implications.

Language: en