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Deliberate self-harm among Chinese medical students: A population-based study
Dan Wu1, Ian R H Rockett2, Tingzhong Yang3
1Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, China.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|June 6, 2016
Summary
Deliberate self-harm (DSH) affects 9.6% of Chinese medical students, linked to uncertainty stress and social capital. Interventions should target stress management and social support to improve mental health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a growing concern among college students.
- Chinese medical students report significant rates of DSH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe DSH prevalence in Chinese medical students.
- To assess the association of uncertainty stress and social capital with DSH.
- To explore the mediating role of uncertainty stress and social capital in DSH.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 4446 Chinese medical undergraduates.
- Assessed perceived uncertainty stress and social capital.
- Used logistic regression and Structural Equation Modeling to analyze DSH correlates and mechanisms.
Main Results:
- DSH prevalence was 9.6% in the past 12 months.
- Uncertainty stress and social capital were significant correlates of DSH.
- Social capital may indirectly influence DSH by affecting uncertainty stress.
Conclusions:
- Interventions should focus on managing uncertainty stress and enhancing social capital.
- Findings provide a foundation for mental health interventions for medical students.
