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Deliberate self-harm and public holidays: is there a link?
S J Cullum1, J Catalan, K Berelowitz
1Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
Crisis
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Previous research suggested a link between adolescent self-harm and holidays. This study found no association with Valentine's Day but a negative association with Christmas Day in London adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated a positive association between adolescent nonfatal deliberate self-harm and emotionally charged festivals.
- Festivals like St Valentine's Day and Christmas Day were previously suggested as periods of increased risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between nonfatal deliberate self-harm in adolescents and specific emotionally charged festivals.
- To examine if St Valentine's Day or Christmas Day correlate with increased self-harm incidents.
Main Methods:
- A case study approach analyzing nonfatal deliberate self-harm incidents presenting to three Central London hospitals.
- Data collected over a seven-year period (1983-1989) on St Valentine's Day, Christmas Day, and two control dates.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association was found between nonfatal deliberate self-harm and St Valentine's Day.
- A negative association was observed, indicating fewer incidents of self-harm on Christmas Day compared to control dates.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a link between adolescent self-harm and St Valentine's Day.
- Christmas Day may be associated with a decrease in adolescent nonfatal deliberate self-harm incidents.