ERIC Number: EJ790626
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 8
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Prevalence and Correlates of Self-Injury among University Students
Gollust, Sarah Elizabeth; Eisenberg, Daniel; Golberstein, Ezra
Journal of American College Health, v56 n5 p491-498 Mar-Apr 2008
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 less than 0.05) 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. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Smoking, Incidence, Injuries, Health Behavior, At Risk Persons, Eating Disorders, Depression (Psychology), Anxiety, Correlation, Self Destructive Behavior, College Students, Surveys, Suicide, Gender Differences, Socioeconomic Influences, Low Income Groups, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Mental Health
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A