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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

Published on: September 27, 2020

Self-mutilation and coping strategies in a college sample.

Margaret S Andover¹, Carolyn M Pepper, Brandon E Gibb

¹Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital and Brown Medical School, 345 Blackstone Road, Providence, RI 02906, USA. Margaret_Andover@brown.edu

Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior

|May 25, 2007

Summary

College students who self-mutilate frequently use avoidance coping strategies. Female students also use problem-solving and social support less often, suggesting these coping mechanisms are key targets for treatment.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

Published on: September 27, 2020

Area of Science:

Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Behavioral Science

Background:

Self-mutilation is a significant concern among college students.
Understanding coping mechanisms is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate coping strategy differences between self-mutilating and non-self-mutilating college students.
To identify specific coping mechanisms that may be targeted in therapeutic interventions for self-mutilation.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of coping strategy use.
Inclusion of a self-mutilating group (n=44) and a matched control group (n=44).
Assessment of avoidance, problem-solving, and social support seeking strategies.

Main Results:

Self-mutilating students reported higher use of avoidance strategies compared to controls.
Female self-mutilators used problem-solving and social support strategies less frequently than non-mutilators.
No significant difference was found in male self-mutilators' use of these strategies.

Conclusions:

Avoidance coping strategies are prominently used by self-mutilating college students.
Problem-solving and social support seeking may be underdeveloped coping mechanisms in this population.
Interventions targeting maladaptive coping strategies, particularly avoidance, are recommended for treating self-mutilative behaviors.