Longitudinal assessment of self-harm statements of youth in foster care: Rates, reporters, and related factors

Date

2015

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Child Psychiatry & Human Development

Abstract

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. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harm, research

Citation

Gabrielli, J., Hambrick, E. P., Tunno, A. M., Jackson, Y., Spangler, A., & Kanine, R. M. (2015). Longitudinal assessment of self-harm statements of youth in foster care: rates, reporters, and related factors. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 46(6), 893-902.

DOI