Negative intrusive thoughts and dissociation as risk factors for self-harm.
Relationships between self-harm and vulnerability factors were studied in a general population of 432 participants, of whom 30% reported some experience of self-harm. This group scored higher on dissociation and childhood trauma, had lower self-worth, and reported more negative intrusive thoughts. Among the non-harming group, 10% scored similarly to the self-harmers on the dissociation and self-worth scales, and engaged in potentially maladaptive behaviors that are not defined as indicating clinical self-harm, but experienced fewer negative intrusive thoughts. This group may be at risk of future self-harm if they begin to experience negative intrusive thoughts. If negative intrusive thoughts are playing a causal role, then therapeutic approaches tackling them may help those who are currently self-harming.
Batey
Helen
H
University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK. helen.batey@plymouth.ac.uk
May
Jon
J
Andrade
Jackie
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004213:Dissociative Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013850:Thinking; D055815:Young Adult