Factors affecting reported rates of self-injury.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The magnitude of variation in reported rates of self‐injury suggests that factors other than actual incidence affect these rates. Factors that relate to the scope of the reporting network and to the intensity of contacts within this network are examined in detail to determine their effect on the reporting process. Differences in study design and reporting procedures are found to explain most of this variation and suggest the need for standardized techniques in studying the epidemiology of self‐injury.