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Self-harm, dentofacial features, and bullying
Zaid B Al-Bitar1, Hawazen N Sonbol1, Iyad K Al-Omari1
1Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Summary
Self-harm is prevalent in adolescents, with many cases linked to dentofacial appearance concerns and bullying. Addressing these issues is crucial for public health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Dental Research
Background:
- Self-harm presents a significant and increasing public health challenge.
- Adolescent self-harm rates necessitate investigation into contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-harm among school children.
- To assess the impact of dentofacial appearance and related bullying on self-harm.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 699 eighth-grade students (aged 13-14).
- Anonymous classroom questionnaires were utilized for data collection.
- A representative sample from randomly selected schools was surveyed.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of self-harm was 26.9%, with no significant gender disparity.
- Nearly half of self-harming students cited dentofacial features as a cause.
- Bullying related to dentofacial features contributed to self-harm in approximately one-fifth of cases.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent self-harm is common, often influenced by dentofacial appearance and bullying.
- Findings highlight the link between self-perception of dentofacial features and self-harm behaviors.
- This research provides foundational data for understanding self-harm in relation to dental aesthetics.