Risk and Protective Factors in Relation to Self-Harm

Hello! This post is aimed at identifying some common risk and protective factors in regards to people who self-harm. The list is not exhaustive, and ultimately, anything and everything can affect ones decision to self-harm or not do so. These are just some of the more common ones. This post can be directed to anyone- for the ones who are self-harming, this post can help you feel more at ease and less alone. Hopefully, there will be less shame in self-harming. For those who dont self-harm, and for health professionals and carers, this post will hopefully serve as a beginning introduction to reasons and context for people who do self-harm. This post should by no means be the be-all and end-all for your research- I urge you to read more research articles online!

First, lets start off by defining risk and protective factors. Risk factors are variables that may increase the chance of a person developing an illness or problem- in this case, self-harm. Protective factors are therefore the opposite- variables that may decrease ones chance of partaking in self-harm.

Risk factors of self-harm are varied- some include family problems such as relationship problems, divorce or death in the family, or family misconduct (abuse of any type). These are all highly emotional and can be overwhelming to ones emotional system. As self-harm is a coping mechanism, used to help us cope with emotions we feel we cant bear, family disruptions is a common risk factor. In addition to family disruptions, knowing someone who has self-harmed and reading pro-self-harm articles can contribute to one partaking in it. This is due to known experience and a potential thinking loop of If they say its helpful, maybe I should try it. Additionally, other reasons may include school or work problems and/or financial issues, a negative upbringing (crimes, negative self-esteem due to bullying or abuse), among a whole host of other reasons.

Another risk factor for self-harm includes comorbidities. Comorbidities are one or more conditions/illnesses occurring at the same time as another condition. In this case, comorbidities that occur with self-harm are varied and mixed. Some include mental illnesses such as mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), personality disorders (Borderline Personality Disorder), conduct disorders (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) and substance and drug abuse.

Opposed to risk factors are protective factors. Some protective factors include a secure attachment between the individual and their main carer(s)- feeling safe and secure, understood, loved and valued. This builds the bond the child has between their carers and enhances trust, empathy and innate self-esteem. An example of this can be seen in the picture below- the Social Circle of Security.

Additionally, another protective factor is dependent upon personality. A more solution-focused person may be less inclined to self-harm compared to a more emotion-based person. This is due to self-harm being an emotional coping mechanism- feelings of overwhelm being a big trigger. If one is more solution-focused, it tends to be more common for them to search for solutions than delve into their emotions. This isnt to glorify either type of personality, but to explain clearer the differences and reasons for one being a protective determinant! Having a high emotional intelligence can also be a protective factor, as well as others such as cultural connection and socioeconomic status.

What is most important to understand is that risk and protective factors can vary from individual to individual. Every reason for self-harm is different, but all are valid. Any of the opposite factors may occur as well- such as negative cultural connection vs positive cultural connection, drug/substance abuse vs no drug/substance abuse. These will change drastically whether one is a protective factor or one isnt. I decided to write about different protective and risk factors rather than outline the opposite factors for opposite types.

Questions time!

1. Did this post resonate with you? Why or why not?

2. Is there anything else you'd like to add to this post if you could?

3. What is one risk and protective factor for you? It doesn't have to be self-harm related, it can be for anything (e.g. smoking, substance abuse, depression).

Thank you all for reading! Take good care of yourself. Some sites I visited to get inspiration include this one, this one and this one. If you're interested in this post, you may also be interested in other informational posts such as this one on the importance of empowerment, or this one that discusses barriers to seeking help or this one- a guide to helping others who self-harm. If you're interested in being part of the team, please visit this post here and follow the instructions <3

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