TY - JOUR
PY - 2018//
TI - What is the relationship between rejection and self-harm or suicidality in adulthood?
JO - Journal of affective disorders
A1 - Cawley, Rosanne
A1 - Pontin, Eleanor E.
A1 - Touhey, Jade
A1 - Sheehy, Kate
A1 - Taylor, Peter James
SP - 123
EP - 134
VL - 242
IS -
N2 - BACKGROUND: Rejection is an adverse experience that may help explain the heightened risk of self-harm and suicide amongst many societal groups. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the relationship between rejection experiences and self-harm and suicidal ideation.
METHOD: The databases PsychINFO, CINAHL, Medline and Web of Science were searched from inception until May 2017 using key search terms. Quantitative studies were included if they were; (i) mean sample age over 18; (ii) in the English language; (iii) and had a measure of self-harm or suicidal behaviour and a measure of rejection. The results were synthesised narratively.
RESULTS: Eighteen studies were identified for the review. Fifteen out of the eighteen studies found a significant positive association between rejection and self-harm. This association was identified within several marginalised groups known to be at risk of self-harm, including those from lesbian, gay or bisexual sexuality or those who identify as transgender. LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity between the measures of self-harm, suicidal behaviour and rejection, as well as the lack of longitudinal analyses made it difficult to draw firm conclusions.
CONCLUSION: Perceived rejection may leave some individuals at risk of self-harm and might account for the elevated risk in marginalised societal groups. Interventions focused on modifying rejection experiences may help reduce the risk of self-harm in this population.
Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Language: en
LA - en SN - 0165-0327 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.08.082 ID - ref1 ER -