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Motives and Suicide Intent Underlying Hospital Treated Deliberate Self‐Harm and Their Association with Repetition
Author(s) -
McAuliffe Carmel,
Arensman Ella,
Keeley Helen S.,
Corcoran Paul,
Fitzgerald Anthony P.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1521/suli.2007.37.4.397
Subject(s) - parasuicide , suicide prevention , psychology , poison control , distress , ambivalence , psychiatry , injury prevention , coping (psychology) , suicide attempt , medicine , clinical psychology , medical emergency , social psychology
The association between motives for deliberate self‐harm (DSH), level of suicide intent, and history of DSH is poorly understood. As part of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Suicidal Behavior, the Suicide Intent Scale, and the Motives for Parasuicide Questionnaire were administered to 146 patients presenting with DSH in the Cork region in Ireland. DSH patients reporting high suicide intent were more motivated to escape from their problem ( M = 3.15, p < .001) compared to those with low suicide intent, who were more motivated to appeal to others ( M = 1.61, p < .001) and to get a temporary break from their problem ( M = 2.47, p < .001). Repeaters more often reported motives aimed at escape ( M = 2.98, p < .01), revenge ( M = .60, p < .005), and appeal ( M = 1.43, p = <.05). Self‐harming patients are characterized by ambivalence and struggle with aversive thoughts and situations. Therapeutic approaches should include distress management and coping strategies.