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Adolescents' views on preventing self-harm. A large community study.
Sarah Fortune1, Julia Sinclair, Keith Hawton
1Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford Centre for Suicide Research, Oxford, UK. s.a.fortune@leeds.ac.uk
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|November 13, 2007
Summary
Adolescents believe family, friends, and schools are key in preventing self-harm, more so than external services. Addressing bullying and home issues is crucial for youth mental health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a significant issue among UK youth.
- Most young people who self-harm do not seek professional help, highlighting the need for community-based prevention.
- Little is known about adolescents' perspectives on preventing DSH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify adolescents' views on preventing the urge to self-harm.
- To explore differences in these views based on gender, ethnicity, and prior self-harm experiences.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous, self-report questionnaires administered to 2,954 students aged 15-16 in 41 English secondary schools.
- Thematic analysis of open-ended responses regarding self-harm prevention.
- Analysis of responses stratified by gender, ethnicity, and history of DSH.
Main Results:
- Eleven categories of prevention strategies emerged, emphasizing informal social networks, stable relationships, structured activities, and the role of schools.
- Mental illness was rarely mentioned (3%), but stigma was a barrier to help-seeking.
- Bullying and domestic problems were identified as significant psychosocial stressors.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents prioritize support from family, friends, and schools over external agencies for preventing suicidal behavior.
- Recommendations include enhancing school-based mental health programs and making youth services more accessible and youth-friendly.
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