title: Self-harm in a mixed clinical population: the roles of self-criticism, shame, and social rank.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explored the relationship of forms and functions of self-criticism, shame, and social rank variables to self-harm, depression, and anxiety.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a questionnaire design.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-patients and day-patients (N=73) completed a series of questionnaires measuring self-harm, mood, self-criticism, shame, and social comparison.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Self-harm was significantly associated with forms and functions of self-criticism, shame, and feelings of inferiority (low social rank). The self-persecuting function of self-criticism was especially linked to self-harm, depression, and anxiety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study adds to a growing literature on the importance of recognizing the pathogenic effects of negative self-critical thoughts and feelings about the self and the value of distinguishing different types of self-criticism.
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Research Unit, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK. p.gilbert@derby.ac.uk
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McEwan
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Irons
authors.forename: Rakhee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhundia
authors.forename: Rachael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Christie
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Broomhead
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rockliff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012752:Shame; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult