Childhood predictors of self-harm, externalised violence and transitioning to dual harm in a cohort of adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Background The aetiology of dual harm (co-occurring self-harm and violence towards others) is poorly understood because most studies have investigated self-harm and violence separately. We aimed to examine childhood risk factors for self-harm, violence, and dual harm, including the transition from engaging in single harm to dual harm. Methods Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a UK-based birth cohort study, were used to estimate prevalence of self-reported engagement in self-harm, violence, and dual harm at ages 16 and 22 years. Risk ratios were calculated to indicate associations across various self-reported childhood risk factors and risks of single and dual harm, including the transition from single harm at age 16 years to dual harm at age 22. Results At age 16 years, 18.1% of the 4176 cohort members had harmed themselves, 21.1% had engaged in violence towards others and 3.7% reported dual harm. At age 22 the equivalent prevalence estimates increased to 24.2, 25.8 and 6.8%, respectively. Depression and other mental health difficulties, drug and alcohol use, witnessing self-harm and being a victim of, or witnessing, violence were associated with higher risks of transitioning from self-harm or violence at age 16 to dual harm by age 22. Conclusions Prevalence of dual harm doubled from age 16 to 22 years, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention during this high-risk period. Several childhood psychosocial risk factors associated specifically with dual harm at age 16 and with the transition to dual harm by age 22 have been identified.

The impact of childhood trauma on Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: the Chain Mediating role of borderline personality traits and self-control

“…This study shows childhood trauma can positively predict depressive symptoms, in line with previous research [43], probably because negative childhood experiences damaged mental resilience, increasing the risk of depression [44]. Childhood trauma also increases adolescents' risk of self-harm behaviors and even suicide attempts [45]. According to the hopelessness theory of depression, childhood trauma especially emotional abuse and neglect leaves individuals particularly vulnerable to developing a negative cognitive style, which in turn increases the risk for depression [46].…”