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What is the relationship between rejection and self-harm or suicidality in adulthood?
Rosanne Cawley1, Eleanor E Pontin1, Jade Touhey1
1Institute of Psychology, Health & Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, United Kingdom.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|September 3, 2018
Summary
Rejection experiences are significantly linked to increased self-harm and suicidal ideation, particularly in marginalized groups. Interventions addressing rejection may reduce self-harm risks.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Adverse experiences like rejection are associated with heightened risks of self-harm and suicide.
- Marginalized societal groups often face elevated risks for self-harm and suicidal behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the relationship between experiences of rejection and self-harm.
- To investigate the association between rejection and suicidal ideation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of quantitative studies from PsychINFO, CINAHL, Medline, and Web of Science.
- Inclusion criteria: adult samples (age >18), English language, measures of self-harm/suicidal behavior and rejection.
- Narrative synthesis of findings from 18 identified studies.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association between rejection and self-harm was found in 15 of 18 studies.
- This association was evident in marginalized groups, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
- Rejection experiences appear to contribute to the elevated risk of self-harm in vulnerable populations.
Conclusions:
- Perceived rejection may increase the risk of self-harm, potentially explaining elevated rates in marginalized groups.
- Interventions targeting the modification of rejection experiences could help mitigate self-harm risk.
- Further research, including longitudinal analyses, is needed to draw firmer conclusions due to heterogeneity in measures.
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