Ethnicity and Deliberate Self-harm

Abstract

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is rare but not unknown among pre-school children and becomes increasingly common after the age of 12. Psychological factors and family relationships are important in DSH. The link between psycho social stressors and DSH in immigrants has been reported. Ethnic or trans cultural differences can have a significant effect on the social support systems, cultural sanctions and role expectations, not only within the narrower community and family set up but also in wider society. The aim of this study was to establish the characteristics of Indian sub-continent origin children and adolescents who self-harm. This case control study based on retrospective case note analysis of children and adolescents presenting to mental health services compared the factors associated with deliberate self-harm among the children from Indian sub-continent (Asian group) and other ethnicities (non-Asian group) within a specified geographical area. Asian children presented as a separate group with differences in associated factors in relation to self-harm. The higher rate of discharge needs more exploration to clarify whether it was the Asian children's and their families attitude towards mental health services or professionals being less trained to provide a culturally sensitive advice to cause the difference.