Deliberate Self-harm in Adolescents and Young Adults
Deliberate Self-harm in Adolescents and Young Adults
DSH occurs across the lifespan, yet young people are seen as participating in the behavior at disproportionately higher rates. The Center for Suicide Prevention found that the behaviors usually start in early adolescence, then increase between ages 16 to 25. DSH has been rare in those under 12. Thus the focus of this article is the young adult population ranging in age from 12 to 24.
Skegg identified various risk factors that contribute to young people's risk of participating in DSH. The demographic factors include age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Psychosocial factors that affect DHS participation incorporate childhood experiences such as child abuse and other forms of family dysfunction.
Lastly, the presence of or a family history of psychiatric illness, especially anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, is a strong precursor to young adult participation in DSH. More females than males tend to self-harm. Skegg found low socioeconomic status, education level, and income and living in poverty to be associated with increased risk of DSH, yet the literature overall lacks consistency on this topic.
Onset in Adolescent and Young Adults
DSH occurs across the lifespan, yet young people are seen as participating in the behavior at disproportionately higher rates. The Center for Suicide Prevention found that the behaviors usually start in early adolescence, then increase between ages 16 to 25. DSH has been rare in those under 12. Thus the focus of this article is the young adult population ranging in age from 12 to 24.
Skegg identified various risk factors that contribute to young people's risk of participating in DSH. The demographic factors include age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Psychosocial factors that affect DHS participation incorporate childhood experiences such as child abuse and other forms of family dysfunction.
Lastly, the presence of or a family history of psychiatric illness, especially anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, is a strong precursor to young adult participation in DSH. More females than males tend to self-harm. Skegg found low socioeconomic status, education level, and income and living in poverty to be associated with increased risk of DSH, yet the literature overall lacks consistency on this topic.
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