TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Does neighbourhood identification buffer against the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on self-harm?
JO  - Journal of affective disorders
A1  - McIntyre, Jason
A1  - Elahi, Anam
A1  - Latham, Cameron
A1  - Mullholland, Helen
A1  - Haines-Delmont, Alina
A1  - Saini, Pooja
A1  - Taylor, Peter J.
SP  - 857
EP  - 863
VL  - 294
IS  - 
N2  - BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic disadvantage and lack of group belonging (i.e., social identity) have been linked to poor mental health. However, no research has investigated the relationship between neighbourhood identity and self-harm, nor whether identifying with one's neighbourhood can mitigate the effects of economic stress on self-harm. <br><br>METHODS: Pre-registered secondary data analysis of a large (N = 3412) community health survey conducted in disadvantaged areas of North West England. <br><br>RESULTS: Despite the sample having a relatively high and therefore restricted level of disadvantage, individual and geographic indicators of disadvantage, as well as neighbourhood identification, were unique and strong predictors of self-harm thoughts and behaviours across several analyses. Specifically, experiencing disadvantage and disidentification predicted significantly higher odds of self-harm and self-harm thoughts. No consistent interactive effects emerged. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design limits firm conclusions regarding causal effects of neighbourhood identity and disadvantage on self-harm. However, causal direction is supported by past research and theory. The data is self-report, which is subject to response bias. The sample was also recruited from a region of the UK with low numbers of residents from ethnic minority backgrounds. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with past research indicating an association between social identity and better mental health, but for the first time extend these effects to self-harm. The findings demonstrate the importance of considering social and economic factors when attempting to prevent suicide and understand and treat self-harm thoughts.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0165-0327
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.07.103
ID  - ref1
ER  -