The Role of Negative Automatic Thoughts and Gender in Predicting Self-Harm among Youth
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v9i1.2018Keywords:
Baseline assessment, Deliberate self-harm, Personality traits, Problem solvingAbstract
Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a maladaptive behavior mostly found in youth. This study examines problem-solving skills (PSS), coping strategies, and cognitive distortion in youth who engage in DSH. Objectives: The study investigated the association of coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and personality with self-harm behaviors and the severity of anxiety and depression. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Seventy-five participants of both genders, aged 15-29 years, were selected. Socio-demographic details, PSI, coping strategies, dichotomous thinking (DTI), and personality traits were assessed using appropriate psychological tools. Anxiety and depression were measured with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) scales. Results: The mean age of the 75 participants was 22.7 years. Gender analysis showed minimal differences in problem-solving and coping strategies. Positive correlations emerged between problem-solving and coping skills (r=0.347, p=0.002) and problem-solving and independence (r=0.238, p=0.040). Anxiety was associated with self-control (r=0.283, p=0.014) and tough-mindedness (r=-0.565, p<0.001). Conclusions: The study showed how thinking patterns, emotions, and personality traits affect self-harm in young people, highlighting the need for tailored therapies like cognitive behavior therapy and DBT.
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