Razvaliaeva A, Polskaya N. Predictors of Self-Harm Types in Members of Online Communities: Age As a Moderating Variable.
CONSORTIUM PSYCHIATRICUM 2022;
3:38-51. [PMID:
39045586 PMCID:
PMC11262075 DOI:
10.17816/cp216]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Deliberate self-harm includes direct and indirect behaviors that cause harm to the body. Various manifestations of such behavior (e.g., non-suicidal self-injuries) are prevalent in adolescent and youth populations, and they often serve as precursors of subsequent suicidal behavior. The interpersonal dynamics that lead to self-harm behavior remain understudied. Interpersonal sensitivity, defined as an anticipation of criticism and fear of rejection in one's relationships with other people, may become one such factor.
AIM
The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity, psychopathological symptoms, and types of self-harm.
METHODS
The sample (n=804, 17-35 years, M=23.3±4.6 years) was recruited in online communities. A survey developed by the authors was used to measure the types of self-harm. Other measures included the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure and Symptom Checklist-90-R.
RESULTS
It was discovered that superficial self-injuries could be related to more severe types of self-harm, destructive for the body on the whole (e.g., risk-taking, deprivation, fasting, substance abuse). Fear of rejection and psychopathological symptoms emerged as predictors of both superficial self-injuries and self-destructive behavior. Although younger respondents (17-19 years old) were more likely to inflict on themselves superficial self-injuries, those who scored high on fear of rejection were more likely to report more severe self-destructive behavior. Acute psychological distress elevated this risk for both younger and older participants (27-35 years old).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study point at the important role the dynamics of interpersonal relationships plays in perpetuating self-harm.
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