Full Citation
Title: Prevalence and correlates of self-injury among university students.
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2008
ISBN:
ISSN: 0744-8481
DOI: 10.3200/JACH.56.5.491-498
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID: 18400660
Abstract: OBJECTIVE The authors' purpose in this research was to establish estimates of the prevalence and correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury among university students. PARTICIPANTS The authors recruited participants (N = 2,843) from a random sample of 5,021 undergraduate and graduate students attending a large midwestern public university. METHODS Using an Internet-based survey, the authors measured the prevalence of self-injury and potential risk factors, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and negative health behaviors. RESULTS Seven percent of students reported any self-injury over the previous 4 weeks. Factors associated with a significantly higher likelihood (p <.05) of self-injury included cigarette smoking, concurrent depressive and anxiety disorders, and for men, growing up in a family of low socioeconomic status and having symptoms of eating disorders. Only 26% of those who reported self-injury received mental health therapy or medication in the previous year. CONCLUSIONS Students who harm themselves experience high anxiety and distress, yet are unlikely to seek help.
Url: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18400660
User Submitted?: No
Authors: Gollust, Sarah Elizabeth; Eisenberg, Daniel; Golberstein, Ezra
Periodical (Full): Journal of American college health : J of ACH
Issue: 5
Volume: 56
Pages: 491-8
Countries: