Citation

Laukkanen E, Rissanen ML, Honkalampi K, Kylma J, Tolmunen T, Hintikka J. Soc. Psychiatry Psychiatr. Epidemiol. 2009; 44(1): 23-28.

Affiliation

Dept. of Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1777, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00127-008-0398-x

PMID

18604615

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Deliberate self-harm has become more prevalent among adolescents. AIMS: To investigate the prevalence and the associated background factors of self-cutting and other self-harming behaviour. METHODS: The study sample included 4,205 adolescents aged 13-18 years. Background factors, social relationships, alcohol and substance abuse, self-harm and self-cutting were assessed by a structured questionnaire including the Youth Self Report and Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: The life-time prevalence of self-cutting was 11.5% and of other self-harm 10.2%, while the prevalence of current self-cutting was 1.8%. Self-cutting was associated with female gender and a very wide range of adverse psychosocial background variables. Parents living together were an independent protective factor. By contrast, there was no gender difference in the risk of other self-harm. Independent risk factors were depressive mood, somatic complaints, drug abuse, poor school performance and poor family relationships. No protective factors were found for other self-harm. CONCLUSIONS: During adolescence, self-cutting and other self-harm are common. Adolescents who have self-cutting or harm themselves have wide-ranging problems in their lives. The specific characteristics of these phenomena need further investigation.

Language: en