Victimization and Exposure to Pro-Self-Harm and Pro-Suicide Websites: A Cross-National Study.
The study of websites displaying methods of both physical self-harm and suicide has become an important aspect of deliberate self-injury and suicide research. However, little is known about contextual factors related to entering such sites. Using data from 3,567 respondents aged 15-30 in the US, UK, Germany, and Finland, we found that experiences of victimization are associated with entering pro-self-harm sites and pro-suicide sites. Also, the victimization context had relevance, as online victimization was particularly related to pro-self-harm behavior. The findings suggest a need to organize more specific online support for the victims of violence and online aggression.
School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
Jaana
J
Minkkinen
School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
Atte
A
Oksanen
School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
Markus
M
Kaakinen
Department of Social Research/Economic Sociology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Teo
T
Keipi
Department of Social Research/Economic Sociology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Pekka
P
Räsänen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D003146:Communications Media / Q000639:trends*; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology; D057211:Webcasts as Topic / Q000639:trends*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention