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Updated: May 14, 2026

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
Mediating effects of coping style on associations between mental health factors and self-harm among adolescents
Elaine M McMahon1, Paul Corcoran, Carmel McAuliffe
1National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland.
Background:
There is evidence for an association between suicidal behavior and coping style among adolescents.
Aims:
The aims of this study were to examine associations between coping style, mental health factors, and self-harm thoughts and acts among Irish adolescents, and to investigate whether coping style mediates associations between mental health factors (depression, anxiety, and self-esteem) and self-harm.
Method:
A cross-sectional school-based survey was carried out. Information was obtained on history of self-harm, life events, and demographic, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
Results:
Emotion-oriented coping was strongly associated with poorer mental health and self-harm thoughts and acts. Problem-Oriented Coping was associated with better mental health. Mediating effects of Emotion-Oriented Coping on associations between mental health factors and deliberate self-harm (DSH) was found for both genders and between Problem-Oriented Coping and mental health factors for girls. Similar mediating effects of coping style were found when risk of self-harm thoughts was examined.
Limitations:
Since the methodology used was cross-sectional, it is impossible to draw conclusions regarding causal relationships between coping style and associated factors. The coping measure used was brief.
Conclusions:
Promotion of positive coping skills and reduction of emotion-focused approaches may build resilience to self-harm thoughts and acts among adolescents experiencing mental health problems.
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