Exposure to Self-Directed Violence: Understanding Intention to Help and Helping Behaviors among Adolescents and Emerging Adults

Victoria Banyard, Kimberly J. Mitchell and Michele L. Ybarra
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Victoria Banyard: Center on Violence against Women and Children, Rutgers School of Social Work, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, 123 Church Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
Kimberly J. Mitchell: Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
Michele L. Ybarra: Center for Innovative Public Health Research, 555 N. El Camino Real #A347, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: Exposure to self-directed violence (SDV) is a public health issue. Prevention trains third parties to identify SDV risk and provide help. However, we know little about the range of help provided to those who engage in SDV. The current study used a cross-sectional online survey of 1031 adolescents and emerging adults to learn about their SDV exposure, intent and attempts to help, and barriers to helping. Most participants reported SDV exposure, commonly by a peer, and provided help. Regression analyses showed that intent to help was predicted by social norms and having knowledge of resources, and such knowledge (but not social norms) was also related to actual helping behaviors. Qualitative analysis of short open-ended questions on the survey documented a range of barriers to helping. Findings support but also encourage revision of theoretical models of helping upon which prevention programs are based.

Keywords: self-directed violence; bystanders; suicide prevention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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