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Pubertal stage and deliberate self-harm in adolescents
George C Patton1, Sheryl A Hemphill1, Jennifer M Beyers1
1Drs. Patton, Hemphill, Bond, and Toumbourou are with the Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne; Drs. Beyers, McMorris, and Catalano are with the Seattle Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle.
Summary
Puberty significantly increases the risk of deliberate self-harm in adolescents, especially in females. Factors like early sexual activity and substance abuse are key contributors to this risk.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Deliberate self-harm is a significant concern in adolescent populations.
- Understanding risk factors associated with developmental stages is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between pubertal development and the occurrence of deliberate self-harm in adolescents.
- To identify specific pubertal stages and associated risk factors for self-harm.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 3,332 students aged 12-15 in Washington, USA, and Victoria, Australia.
- Data on deliberate self-harm episodes and pubertal stage (assessed using the Pubertal Development Scale) were collected.
- Statistical analyses adjusted for age and school grade level.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of deliberate self-harm was 3.7%, with females exhibiting over twice the rate of males.
- Late puberty was strongly associated with a more than fourfold increased rate of self-harm (OR 4.6).
- Depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and early sexual activity largely explained the link between pubertal stage and self-harm.
Conclusions:
- Pubertal development is linked to significant changes in the frequency and methods of adolescent self-harm.
- Risk factors such as early sexual activity and substance abuse may be particularly impactful during the developmental gap between puberty and brain maturation.
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