title: Understanding women who self-harm: Predictors and long-term outcomes in a longitudinal community sample.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is growing awareness of the range of psychosocial, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors related to self-harm, however this research is often limited by using cross-sectional or convenience samples. And while we generally assume that young adults who self-harm experience poorer long-term outcomes, longitudinal research is needed. This paper builds on prior research using a large, representative, longitudinal sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  5765 Australian women completed 5 surveys (age 18-23 to 31-36). Six-month self-harm was measured by self-report. We had two aims: firstly to predict future self-harm, separately for women with and without prior self-harm. Secondly, to identify outcomes 3 and 6 years following self-harm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six-month self-harm prevalence was 2.5%. Predictors among women without recent self-harm included depression, dieting behaviours, number of male sexual partners, and abuse. Among women with recent or current self-harm, predictors were number of dieting behaviours, tiredness of life, and stress. Women who self-harmed reported poorer outcomes, namely greater difficulties in relationships at 3- and 6-year follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Longitudinal risk factors for self-harm differed depending on prior self-harm status, and included depression, dieting behaviours, tiredness of life and stress. These factors may serve as warning signs for new or continued self-harm. This study offers new insight into long-term outcomes up to six years after self-harm, particularly with relationships.
authors.affiliation: 1 Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stanford
authors.affiliation: 1 Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: 2 Faculty of Health and Medicine (Public Health), University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Loxton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Self-harm; longitudinal; outcomes; risk factors