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Published on: July 4, 2013
Self-injurious behaviors in a college population
Janis Whitlock1, John Eckenrode, Daniel Silverman
1Family Life Development Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. jlw43@cornell.edu
Pediatrics
|June 3, 2006
Summary
A significant number of college students engage in self-injurious behaviors, often undisclosed. Repeat incidents are linked to abuse, suicidal ideation, distress, and eating disorders, highlighting a need for better detection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Self-injurious behaviors (SIB) are a concern in college populations.
- Understanding the prevalence and correlates of SIB is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and forms of SIB.
- To identify demographic and mental health correlates of SIB in college students.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to a random sample of 8300 students at two northeastern US universities.
- 37% of invited participants completed the internet-based survey in Spring 2005.
Main Results:
- Lifetime prevalence of SIB was 17.0%, with 75% experiencing multiple incidents.
- Repeat SIB was associated with female gender, non-heterosexual orientation, history of abuse, suicidal ideation, psychological distress, and eating disorder characteristics.
- A dose-response relationship was observed between incident frequency and adverse health conditions.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of college students engage in SIB, often without seeking help.
- Repeat SIB is strongly linked to adverse mental health conditions and abuse history.
- Effective strategies are needed for healthcare providers to detect and address SIB in college students.
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