Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) occurs with high frequency among
clinical and nonclinical youth populations. Although depression has been consistently linked
with the behavior, not all depressed individuals engage in DSH. Aims: The
current study examined maladaptive coping strategies (i.e., self-blame, distancing, and
self-isolation) as mediators between depression and DSH among undergraduate students.
Methods: 202 students from undergraduate psychology courses at a private
university in Southern California (77.7% women) completed anonymous self-report
measures. Results: A hierarchical regression model found no differences in DSH
history across demographic variables. Among coping variables, self-isolation alone was
significantly related to DSH. A full meditational model was supported: Depressive symptoms were
significantly related to DSH, but adding self-isolation to the model rendered the relationship
nonsignificant. Limitations: The cross-sectional study design prevents
determination of whether a casual relation exists between self-isolation and DSH, and obscures
the direction of that relationship. Conclusions: Results suggest targeting
self-isolation as a means of DSH prevention and intervention among nonclinical, youth
populations.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Clinical Insights
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1027/0227-5910/a000083
- Authors
- Allison S. Christian, University of San Diego, CA, USA
- Kristen M. McCabe, University of San Diego, CA, USA
- Journal Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
- Online ISSN 2151-2396
- Print ISSN 0227-5910