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Risk factors for deliberate self-harm among college students
Kim L Gratz1, Sheree Dukes Conrad, Lizabeth Roemer
1Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts at Boston, 02125, USA. klgratz@aol.com
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|February 18, 2004
Summary
Insecure attachment and adverse childhood experiences predict self-harm in college students. Significant gender differences in these risk factors were also observed, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Deliberate self-harm is a significant public health concern among college students.
- Understanding the multifaceted risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk factors associated with deliberate self-harm in a college student population.
- To explore potential gender differences in these risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A self-report study design was employed.
- Data were collected from college students on experiences of insecure attachment, childhood separation, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, and dissociation.
Main Results:
- Insecure attachment, childhood separation, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, and dissociation emerged as significant predictors of self-harm.
- Substantial gender disparities were identified in the identified risk factors for self-harm behavior.
Conclusions:
- Adverse childhood experiences and attachment styles are critical risk factors for self-harm in college students.
- Gender-specific approaches are necessary for understanding and addressing self-harm behaviors in this demographic.
- Further research is recommended to refine prevention and intervention strategies.