Longitudinal Assessment of Self-Harm Statements of Youth in Foster Care: Rates, Reporters, and Related Factors.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Self-harm in youth is a risk factor related to mental health and future morbidity, yet, relatively little is known about the rates and course of self-harm in youth residing in foster care. This study examined self-harm talk in foster youth based on caregiver and child report for 135 children between the ages of 8- and 11-years old. Longitudinal data on course of self-harm talk from both youth and caregivers also are provided. Caregivers identified that 24% of youth participants had disclosed a desire to die or to hurt themselves. Youth self-report revealed that 21% of children indicated a desire for self-harm, and rates of self-harm from both reporters decreased over time. While overall rates were similar across reporters, findings show discrepancies between youth self-report and caregiver report within individuals. Also, caregivers for youth in residential facilities were more likely to report youth self-harm talk than caregivers from foster home settings.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Gabrielli, J; Hambrick, EP; Tunno, AM; Jackson, Y; Spangler, A; Kanine, RM

Published Date

  • December 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 46 / 6

Start / End Page

  • 893 - 902

PubMed ID

  • 25534966

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC4517977

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1573-3327

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1007/s10578-014-0529-4

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States