Self-Mutilation and Coping Strategies in a College Sample

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the use of specific coping strategies among self-mutilating college students. The self-mutilating group (n = 44) reported utilizing avoidance strategies more often than did a control group (n = 44) matched for general psychological distress but with no history of self-mutilation. In addition, female, but not male, self-mutilators endorsed using problem-solving and social support seeking strategies less often than nonmutilators. These findings suggest that coping strategies in general and avoidance-based strategies in particular may be important targets for the treatment of self-mutilative behaviors.

Article Number

1028

Publication Date

4-2007

Peer Reviewed

1

Comments

APA Citation: Andover, M. S., Pepper, C. M., & Gibb, B. E. (2007). Self-mutilation and coping strategies in a college sample. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 37(2), 238-243.

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