Few studies have investigated proximal relationships between deliberate self-harm (DSH) and concurrent adversities.
We aimed to investigate these relationships in a community population of 4881 indigenous Sami and majority Norwegian adolescents, 15 to 16 years old, and related to ethnicity and gender.
Youth with and without self-reports of DSH last year were compared on 12 concurrent adversities, on scales measuring family and peer functioning, and on sociodemographic conditions.
DSH last year was reported by 22.3% of the adolescents, and by more girls (28.8%) than boys (15.9%). All 12 concurrent adversities were related strongly to DSH last year. Deliberate self-harmers reported twice as many concurrent adversities as non-DSHs, and a large effect size (Cohen’s
Adolescent DSHs reported twice as many concurrent adversities as non-DSHs, sexual abuse and violence were strongly related to DSH. Ethnic and gender differences in risk factors were found. Clinicians should inquire about traumatic experiences such as sexual and physical abuses, and should have a family, peer, and gender perspective in their work.