Subclinical self-harm: range of behaviors, extent, and associated characteristics.
This study examined characteristics associated with mildly injurious (fingernail biting, skin picking, etc.) and more injurious (cutting, burning, etc.) self-harm (SH) in an undergraduate sample (N = 280); 31% reported mildly injurious SH within the past 3 years with no more injurious SH, whereas 20% reported more injurious SH within the past 3 years. SH was not associated with significant general negative affect or history of physical or sexual abuse, although more injurious SH was associated with a history of emotional abuse. A portion of both groups reported negative affect regarding their histories of SH. Both types of SH were associated with other impulsive and disordered eating behaviors, some obsessive-compulsive characteristics, and more somatic symptoms. Similarities and differences with clinical SH are discussed, as well as implications for further research and treatment. Arguments for and against a continuum view of self-harm, as ranging from mild to severe in injuriousness or clinical significance, are also discussed.
Croyle
Kristin L
KL
Department of Psychology and Anthropology, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX 78541-2999, USA. kcroyle@utpa.edu
Waltz
Jennifer
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data