Cutting to cope - a modern adolescent phenomenon.

BACKGROUND The frequency of young people cutting themselves appears to be increasing, with one review estimating the current prevalence across the UK to be between 1 in 12 and 1 in 15. AIM To identify factors that are associated with self-harm by cutting, and more especially coping strategies that if encouraged might reduce such behaviour. METHOD Multivariate and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyse the results from a survey of the pupils attending four large comprehensive schools in the North of England where the frequency of cutting behaviour was causing concern. RESULTS Three factors were identified from the analysis - Social & Active Coping, Seeking External Solutions and Non-Productive Coping. The Social & Active Coping was the only factor that significantly correlated with non-cutting behaviour. CONCLUSIONS The fostering of the elements that make up Social & Active Coping - namely working successfully and feeling a sense of achievement, together with positive friendship networks and positive diversions, including physical recreation, will help to minimize young people's sense of needing to cope by cutting themselves.

背景 年轻人割伤自己的频率似乎在增加，一项综述估计，目前在英国的流行率在1/12到1/15之间。 目的 确定与割伤自残相关的因素，尤其是那些如果加以鼓励可能会减少此类行为的应对策略。 方法 采用多元分析和探索性因素分析来分析对英格兰北部四所大型综合性学校学生的一项调查结果，这些学校中割伤行为的频率令人担忧。 结果 从分析中确定了三个因素——社交与积极应对、寻求外部解决方案和非建设性应对。社交与积极应对是唯一与非割伤行为显著相关的因素。 结论 培养构成社交与积极应对的要素——即工作成功并有一种成就感，以及积极的友谊网络和积极的消遣方式，包括体育娱乐，将有助于最大限度地减少年轻人通过割伤自己来应对的需求感。