@article{ref1,
title="Understanding women who self-harm: predictors and long-term outcomes in a longitudinal community sample",
journal="Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry",
year="2016",
author="Stanford, Sarah and Jones, Michael P. and Loxton, Deborah J.",
volume="51",
number="2",
pages="151-160",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: There is growing awareness of the range of psychosocial, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors related to self-harm, however this research is often limited by using cross-sectional or convenience samples. And while we generally assume that young adults who self-harm experience poorer long-term outcomes, longitudinal research is needed. This paper builds on prior research using a large, representative, longitudinal sample. <br><br>METHODS: 5765 Australian women completed 5 surveys (age 18-23 to 31-36). Six-month self-harm was measured by self-report. We had two aims: firstly to predict future self-harm, separately for women with and without prior self-harm. Secondly, to identify outcomes 3 and 6 years following self-harm. <br><br>RESULTS: Six-month self-harm prevalence was 2.5%. Predictors among women without recent self-harm included depression, dieting behaviours, number of male sexual partners, and abuse. Among women with recent or current self-harm, predictors were number of dieting behaviours, tiredness of life, and stress. Women who self-harmed reported poorer outcomes, namely greater difficulties in relationships at 3- and 6-year follow-up. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal risk factors for self-harm differed depending on prior self-harm status, and included depression, dieting behaviours, tiredness of life and stress. These factors may serve as warning signs for new or continued self-harm. This study offers new insight into long-term outcomes up to six years after self-harm, particularly with relationships.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0004-8674",
doi="10.1177/0004867416633298",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867416633298"
}