Cutting to cope - a modern adolescent phenomenon

The frequency of young people cutting themselves appears to be increasing, with one review estimating the current prevalence across the UK to be between 1 in 12 and 1 in 15.

To identify factors that are associated with self-harm by cutting, and more especially coping strategies that if encouraged might reduce such behaviour.

Multivariate and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyse the results from a survey of the pupils attending four large comprehensive schools in the North of England where the frequency of cutting behaviour was causing concern.

Three factors were identified from the analysis - Social & Active Coping, Seeking External Solutions and Non-Productive Coping. The Social & Active Coping was the only factor that significantly correlated with non-cutting behaviour.

The fostering of the elements that make up Social & Active Coping - namely working successfully and feeling a sense of achievement, together with positive friendship networks and positive diversions, including physical recreation, will help to minimize young people's sense of needing to cope by cutting themselves.