TY - JOUR
T1 - Problem-solving ability and repetition of deliberate self-harm
T2 - A multicentre study
AU - McAuliffe, Carmel
AU - Corcoran, Paul
AU - Keeley, Helen S.
AU - Arensman, Ella
AU - Bille-Brahe, Unni
AU - De Leo, Diego
AU - Fekete, Sandor
AU - Hawton, Keith
AU - Hjelmeland, Heidi
AU - Kelleher, Margaret
AU - Kerkhof, Ad J.F.M.
AU - Lönnqvist, Jouko
AU - Michel, Konrad
AU - Salander-Renberg, Ellinor
AU - Schmidtke, Armin
AU - Van Heeringen, Kees
AU - Wasserman, Danuta
PY - 2006/1
Y1 - 2006/1
N2 - Background. While recent studies have found problem-solving impairments in individuals who engage in deliberate self-harm (DSH), few studies have examined repeaters and non-repeaters separately. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether specific types of problem-solving are associated with repeated DSH. Method. As part of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Suicidal Behaviour, 836 medically treated DSH patients (59% repeaters) from 12 European regions were interviewed using the European Parasuicide Study Interview Schedule (EPSIS II) approximately 1 year after their index episode. The Utrecht Coping List (UCL) assessed habitual responses to problems. Results. Factor analysis identified five dimensions - Active Handling, Passive-Avoidance, Problem Sharing, Palliative Reactions and Negative Expression. Passive-Avoidance - characterized by a pre-occupation with problems, feeling unable to do anything, worrying about the past and taking a gloomy view of the situation, a greater likelihood of giving in so as to avoid difficult situations, the tendency to resign oneself to the situation, and to try to avoid problems - was the problem-solving dimension most strongly associated with repetition, although this association was attenuated by self-esteem. Conclusions. The outcomes of the study indicate that treatments for DSH patients with repeated episodes should include problem-solving interventions. The observed passivity and avoidance of problems (coupled with low self-esteem) associated with repetition suggests that intensive therapeutic input and follow-up are required for those with repeated DSH.
AB - Background. While recent studies have found problem-solving impairments in individuals who engage in deliberate self-harm (DSH), few studies have examined repeaters and non-repeaters separately. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether specific types of problem-solving are associated with repeated DSH. Method. As part of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Suicidal Behaviour, 836 medically treated DSH patients (59% repeaters) from 12 European regions were interviewed using the European Parasuicide Study Interview Schedule (EPSIS II) approximately 1 year after their index episode. The Utrecht Coping List (UCL) assessed habitual responses to problems. Results. Factor analysis identified five dimensions - Active Handling, Passive-Avoidance, Problem Sharing, Palliative Reactions and Negative Expression. Passive-Avoidance - characterized by a pre-occupation with problems, feeling unable to do anything, worrying about the past and taking a gloomy view of the situation, a greater likelihood of giving in so as to avoid difficult situations, the tendency to resign oneself to the situation, and to try to avoid problems - was the problem-solving dimension most strongly associated with repetition, although this association was attenuated by self-esteem. Conclusions. The outcomes of the study indicate that treatments for DSH patients with repeated episodes should include problem-solving interventions. The observed passivity and avoidance of problems (coupled with low self-esteem) associated with repetition suggests that intensive therapeutic input and follow-up are required for those with repeated DSH.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/29244433739
U2 - 10.1017/S0033291705005945
DO - 10.1017/S0033291705005945
M3 - Article
C2 - 16194285
AN - SCOPUS:29244433739
SN - 0033-2917
VL - 36
SP - 45
EP - 55
JO - Psychological Medicine
JF - Psychological Medicine
IS - 1
ER -