Self-harm in adolescents: self-report survey in schools in Scotland.
BACKGROUND
The suicide rate in Scotland is twice as high as that in England. However, the prevalence of self-harm is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of self-harm in adolescents in Scotland and the factors associated with it.


METHODS
A total of 2008 pupils aged 15-16 years completed an anonymous lifestyle and coping survey. Information was obtained on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, life events and problems, social influences, psychological variables and self-harm.


RESULTS
Self-harm was reported by 13.8% of the respondents. The majority (71%) of those who had self-harmed had done so in the past 12 months and girls were approximately 3.4 times more likely to report self-harm than boys. In multivariate analyses, smoking, bullying, worries about sexual orientation, self-harm by family and anxiety were associated with self-harm in both genders. In addition, drug use, physical abuse, serious boy/girlfriend problems, self-harm by friends and low levels of optimism were also associated with self-harm in girls.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite markedly different national suicide rates, the prevalence of self-harm in Scotland is similar to that in England with girls at least three times more likely to report self-harm than boys. The findings suggest a role for emotional literacy programmes in schools and highlight the importance of promoting positive mental health among adolescents.
O'Connor
Rory C
RC
Suicidal Behaviour Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK. ro2@stir.ac.uk
Rasmussen
Susan
S
Miles
Jeremy
J
Hawton
Keith
K
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology