Year: 2005
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: While recent studies have found problem-solving impairments in individuals who engage in deliberate self-harm (DSH), few studies have examined repeaters and non-repeaters separately. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether specific types of problem-solving are associated with repeated DSH. METHOD: As part of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Suicidal Behaviour, 836 medically treated DSH patients (59% repeaters) from 12 European regions were interviewed using the European Parasuicide Study Interview Schedule (EPSIS II) approximately 1 year after their index episode. The Utrecht Coping List (UCL) assessed habitual responses to problems. RESULTS: Factor analysis identified five dimensions--Active Handling, Passive-Avoidance, Problem Sharing, Palliative Reactions and Negative Expression. Passive-Avoidance--characterized by a pre-occupation with problems, feeling unable to do anything, worrying about the past and taking a gloomy view of the situation, a greater likelihood of giving in so as to avoid difficult situations, the tendency to resign oneself to the situation, and to try to avoid problems--was the problem-solving dimension most strongly associated with repetition, although this association was attenuated by self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of the study indicate that treatments for DSH patients with repeated episodes should include problem-solving interventions. The observed passivity and avoidance of problems (coupled with low self-esteem) associated with repetition suggests that intensive therapeutic input and follow-up are required for those with repeated DSH.
Source: Psychological Medicine
Authors: CARMEL McAULIFFE, PAUL CORCORAN, HELEN S. KEELEY, ELLA ARENSMAN, UNNI BILLE-BRAHE, DIEGO De LEO, SANDOR FEKETE, KEITH HAWTON, HEIDI HJELMELAND, MARGARET KELLEHER, AD J.F.M. KERKHOF, JOUKO LÖNNQVIST, KONRAD MICHEL, ELLINOR SALANDER-RENBERG, ARMIN SCHMIDTKE, KEES VAN HEERINGEN, DANUTA WASSERMAN
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2000936170