Citation

Raemen L, Luyckx K, Palmeroni N, Verschueren M, Gandhi A, Grobler A, Claes L. J. Adolesc. 2021; 92: 20-29.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.adolescence.2021.08.004

PMID

34388608

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the link between trauma and self-harming behaviors in South African high school students, and examined the mediating role of identity formation. Traumatic experiences have been commonly associated with self-harming behaviors in adolescents. However, research addressing this association in non-Western countries is limited.
METHODS: A total of 552 South African high school students aged 13-21 (60.4% female; Mage = 16 years) were included in the study. Students completed self-report questionnaires on traumatic experiences, identity formation, and self-harming behaviors (disturbed eating behaviors and suicidal thoughts and behaviors).
RESULTS: Structural equation modelling indicated that the association between traumatic experiences and self-harming behaviors was partially mediated by identity formation. Traumatic experiences were associated with more identity diffusion, bulimia, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Identity diffusion, in turn, was associated with more drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Identity consolidation was positively associated with drive for thinness and negatively with body dissatisfaction and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. No moderation effects by gender or age were found.
CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic experiences were associated with higher levels of identity diffusion, which, in turn, were associated with more self-harming behaviors in South African high school students. These findings suggest the importance of focusing on identity diffusion in prevention and intervention programs targeting self-harming behaviors.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Female; Male; Students; Schools; Adolescent; South Africa; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicidal Ideation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adolescence; Gender Identity; Self-harming behaviors; Traumatic experiences; Identity formation