Reports of Self-Harm and Social Stressors among Early Adolescents: A Brief Report

This study examined reports of self-harm by early adolescents as well as associations between salient interpersonal stressors and self-harm. While attending health education centers located in Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, early adolescents (n = 737) responded to a questionnaire measuring stressors, coping, and self-harm. Approximately 19% of early adolescent students reported some type of self-harm. Those reporting parents as a source of stress more frequently reported self-harm, compared to those who did not report parents as a source of stress. The results of this study further evidence the problem of self-harm during adolescence. Due to the prevalence of self-reported self-harm and the long lasting consequences of self-harm, prevention or early intervention is crucial to the well-being of some youth. Self-harm, especially self-harm that includes the use of objects, and self-harm's association with parent-focused stress deserve further research. Suggestions are given for prevention/intervention programs among early adolescents. (Contains 2 tables.)