The behavior of self-harm is prevalent among adolescents. Most research on the topic has focused either on qualitative investigation of hospitalized teens or on quantitative research of non-clinical population. There combination of these approaches is considered very promising, yet it is extremely rare. The present article investigates the behavior of self-harm without suicidal intention in non-clinical population. The participants were 604 students of Moscow schools (7—11 grades). 22% participants reported at least 1 act of deliberate self-harm in the lifetime period (54% — single episode, 46% multiple episodes of self-harm). 100 adolescents with a history of non-suicidal self-harm were further assessed with Clinical In- ventory, which reflected the gradation of the key suicide markers. Clinical assess- ment revealed three major mechanisms of self-harm development: stressful (20%), depressive (45%), and psychopathological (35%). Further distinction among impulsive and reflective led to description of 6 groups, each having specific clini- cal picture, dynamics, motives, personal patterns and attitude towards self-harm. Understanding of leading mechanism of antivital behavior is essential for effecting crisis intervention and psychological counseling of adolescents in the aftermath of self-harm or suicidal attempts. Comparative analysis of these results with data on clinical population reveals several differences.
The article presents screening results for potential and actual risk factors of suicide behavior in adolescents. The sample consisted of more than 6,000 minors aged between 13 and 18.The study included two stages: testing (scales of hopelessness and loneliness, Bass-Purry Aggression Questionnaire, index of well-being, Personal Values Questionnaire, personality disorders questionnaire, FACES III) and individual counselling (diagnostic interviews) with adolescents at risk. The screening procedure allowed us to analyse potential and actual risk factors and to divide the subjects into 4 groups depending on the seriousness of their psychological condition and the required support: two groups of adolescents with actual crisis state and two groups with aggressive behaviour and character accentuation. The second stage of the study consisted of 225 individual diagnostic interviews. We discuss the characteristics of the group of the adolescents with a pronounced inclination towards self-harm who require prolonged psychological and, in some cases, medical assistance. In conclusion, we highlight some important aspects and key components of screening and strategies of preventing suicidal and self-harm behavior among adolescent population.
The paper presents the results of the study of coping specifics in adolescents at risk of self-injurious and suicidal behavior (N=174). We hypothesized that profiles of coping depended on the types of actual stress. We took into consideration the following types of stressful circumstances: parental divorce, death of relatives or loved ones, conflict with parents, serious somatic disease, academic failure and school problems, unrequited love, other, no actual stress. We discovered both common and stress-specific coping strategies. One of the common coping strategies is avoidance that is used more often in all stressful situations. Moreover, the sample was distinguished by increasing low-level strategies, rather than decreasing high-level strategies (such as planning or reappraisal). Applications to prevention measures are discussed.
The article presents an overview of some modern foreign prevention programs (Europe, USA, Australia, Canada) in the field of prevention of suicidal behavior of adolescents and young people. The article analyzes the latest trends in the construction of non-medical suicide prevention programs among adolescents and young people. The main trends in the development, application, and evaluation of the effectiveness of preventive programs are highlighted.
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