TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2000//
TI  - Childhood trauma, dissociation and self-harming behaviour: a pilot study
JO  - British journal of medical psychology
A1  - Low, G.
A1  - Jones, Deann
A1  - Macleod, A.
A1  - Power, M.
A1  - Duggan, C.
SP  - 269
EP  - 278
VL  - 73
IS  - 2
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0007-1129
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -