Deliberate self-harm among younger and older adults. Issue 7 (8th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Segal, Daniel L.; Connella, Alyssa; Miller, Tory; Coolidge, Frederick L.
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 40:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 440
• Page End: 444
• Publication Date: 2016-08-08
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2016.1171265
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examined self-harming behaviors among younger and older adults who completed the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI). A 2 (age group) × 2 (gender) analysis of variance showed a significant main effect for age such that younger adult students ( M = 3.42, SD = 3.86) had higher SHI total scores than community-dwelling older adults ( M = 1.58, SD = 2.35). Younger adults endorsed "Yes" responses significantly more frequently than older adults on 13 of 22 items. Future research should examine specific behaviors of older adults who self-harm more frequently and explore relationships between self-harming behaviors and other risk and resiliency factors for elder suicide.