Self-harm in adolescence: protective health assets in the family, school and community

Ellen Klemera (), Fiona M. Brooks (), Kayleigh L. Chester (), Josefine Magnusson () and Neil Spencer ()
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Ellen Klemera: University of Hertfordshire
Fiona M. Brooks: University of Hertfordshire
Kayleigh L. Chester: University of Hertfordshire
Josefine Magnusson: University of Hertfordshire
Neil Spencer: Hertfordshire Business School, University of Hertfordshire

International Journal of Public Health, 2017, vol. 62, issue 6, No 2, 638 pages

Abstract: Abstract Objectives The aim of this paper was to examine if the multiple environments of the adolescent including family, peers, school and neighbourhood might function as protective health assets against self-harming behaviour during adolescence. Methods The present study utilised data collected from 1608 respondents aged 15 years as part of the England WHO Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Study. Multilevel modelling was undertaken using the package MLwiN (version 2.33) to investigate the potential domains and dimensions of family life, school culture and environment, and neighbourhood factors that may operate as protective health assets. Results The results indicated that while peer support did not appear to operate as a protective health asset in the context of self-harm, key dimensions of adolescent/parent interaction and adolescent experience of the school culture and their neighbourhood were associated with reduced likelihood of self-harming behaviours during adolescence. Conclusions The Findings highlight the significance of belonging and connectedness as important constituent elements of protective health assets for young people. Interventions that address the multiple environments of the young person, may offer an effective means to reduce the levels of self-harm.

Keywords: Self-harm; Protective health assets; Family; School; Young people (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0900-2

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