Self-harm in a mixed clinical population: the roles of self-criticism, shame, and social rank.
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.
Gilbert
Paul
P
Mental Health Research Unit, Kingsway Hospital, Derby, UK. p.gilbert@derby.ac.uk
McEwan
Kirsten
K
Irons
Chris
C
Bhundia
Rakhee
R
Christie
Rachael
R
Broomhead
Claire
C
Rockliff
Helen
H
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