Self-harm in young offenders.
The prevalence and correlates of self-harm and suicidal behavior in 515 young offenders (mean age 17.3 years, SD = 1.7) serving community-based orders (CBOs; n = 242) or custodial sentences (n = 273) in Victoria, Australia, are described. Results from structured interviews showed that 83 (16.1%) participants reported self-harming in the previous 6 months, and this was more common among those serving custodial sentences than those serving CBOs (19.4% vs. 12.4%; OR 3.10, 95% CI: 1.74-5.55). Multiple incidents were more common in females and 24% (95% CI: 19-39) of participants who had self-harmed reported having done so with suicidal intent. Self-harm was associated with recent bullying victimization, expulsion from school, past year violent victimization, cannabis dependence, and risk-taking behavior in the preceding year. The epidemiological profile of self-harm in this population appears to be distinct from that seen in the general population. Young offenders who self-harm are a vulnerable group with high rates of psychiatric morbidity, substance misuse problems, and social risk factors. They may benefit from targeted psychological interventions designed specifically to address impulsivity, delivered both within-and during the transition from-the youth justice system.
Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.
Rohan
R
Borschmann
Carolyn
C
Coffey
Paul
P
Moran
Stephen
S
Hearps
Louisa
L
Degenhardt
Stuart A
SA
Kinner
George
G
Patton
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D058445:Bullying / Q000523:psychology; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D014739:Victoria; D055815:Young Adult