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Self‐harm in a mixed clinical population: The roles of self‐criticism, shame, and social rank
Author(s) -
Gilbert Paul.,
McEwan Kirsten.,
Irons Chris.,
Bhundia Rakhee.,
Christie Rachael.,
Broomhead Claire.,
Rockliff Helen.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
british journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.479
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 2044-8260
pISSN - 0144-6657
DOI - 10.1348/014466509x479771
Subject(s) - shame , psychology , harm , self criticism , rank (graph theory) , criticism , population , social psychology , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , demography , combinatorics , sociology , art , literature , mathematics
Objectives. This study explored the relationship of forms and functions of self‐criticism, shame, and social rank variables to self‐harm, depression, and anxiety. Design. The study used a questionnaire design. Method. In‐patients and day‐patients ( N = 73) completed a series of questionnaires measuring self‐harm, mood, self‐criticism, shame, and social comparison. Results. Self‐harm was significantly associated with forms and functions of self‐criticism, shame, and feelings of inferiority (low social rank). The self‐persecuting function of self‐criticism was especially linked to self‐harm, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions. This study adds to a growing literature on the importance of recognizing the pathogenic effects of negative self‐critical thoughts and feelings about the self and the value of distinguishing different types of self‐criticism.