@article{ref1,
title="A longitudinal study of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors transitions and help-seeking intentions among young adults",
journal="Suicide and life-threatening behavior",
year="2024",
author="Wang, Juan and Han, Meng and Xi, Yingjun and He, Xiaoxiao and Feng, Yi and Chen, Runsen",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="PURPOSE: Engagement in self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) is associated with low help-seeking intentions. Nevertheless, prior research has primarily relied on cross-sectional data, leaving uncertainties about the longitudinal dynamics between SITBs and help-seeking intentions. This study aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between SITBs and help-seeking intentions for them. <br><br>METHOD: A one-year interval follow-up investigation was conducted among 1788 Chinese students (71.5% girls, M(age) = 19.5). Changes in help-seeking intentions were initially analyzed among four SITBs transition groups. Subsequently, a cross-lagged model was employed to explore the possible bidirectional associations. <br><br>RESULTS: 232 participants (12.90%) experienced changes in SITBs, while 65 participants (3.60%) exhibited sustained SITBs between two measurement time points. Changes in help-seeking intentions varied across SITBs transition groups. Participants whose SITBs faded 1 year later showed a significant increase in help-seeking intentions, whereas those who experienced newly developed SITBs across two measurement time points demonstrated a significant decline. The cross-lagged analysis revealed that help-seeking intentions negatively predicted the subsequent risk of experiencing SITBs. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Greater help-seeking intentions predicted decreased SITBs 1 year later. Changes in help-seeking intentions serve as a valuable indicator for distinguishing between different types of SITBs transition. These findings underscore the importance of implementing prevention and intervention strategies targeted at enhancing help-seeking intentions to reduce SITBs.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0363-0234",
doi="10.1111/sltb.13109",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/sltb.13109"
}