@article{ref1,
title="Childhood trauma, dissociation and self-harming behaviour: a pilot study",
journal="British journal of medical psychology",
year="2000",
author="Low, G. and Jones, Deann and Macleod, A. and Power, M. and Duggan, C.",
volume="73",
number="2",
pages="269-278",
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.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0007-1129",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}