Citation

Nawaz RF, Anderson JK, Colville L, Fraser-Andrews C, Ford TJ. Child Adolesc. Ment. Health 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/camh.12634

PMID

36625166

Abstract

BACKGROUND: At least half of all young people who die by suicide have previously self-harmed and most of those who self-harm will not seek help from health services for self-harming behaviours. By default, schools, colleges and universities necessarily play a key role in identifying those who self-harm and supporting them to access help.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021243692) of five databases (Medline, PsycINFO, ASSIA, ERIC and BEI) for quantitative studies evaluating interventions to reduce self-harm among students in schools, colleges and universities.

RESULTS: We identified six eligible studies that reported interventions. Two interventions used mindfulness-based approaches and the remaining four interventions focused on in-classroom education. Three interventions reported a significant reduction in self-harm, all three used in-classroom education. Of the six studies, one study was rated methodologically moderate, while the remaining five were weak.

CONCLUSION: In summary, the evidence base is limited in size and quality. Most current interventions to address self-harm in schools focus on training staff in awareness, with a significant gap in direct support for students.

Language: en

Keywords

mental health; Self-harm; adolescence; school; intervention