Adolescent self-harm in the community: an update on prevalence using a self-report survey of adolescents aged 13-18 in England

Background: To establish an estimate of prevalence in a nationally representative sample of community adolescents. To examine associations between self-harm and wellbeing.

Methods: An anonymous self-report survey completed by 2000 adolescents aged 13-18 years across England. Wellbeing was measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS).

Results: In total 15.5% (n = 309) of participants reported ever having self-harmed (95% confidence intervals 13.9-17.1). The median age of onset was 13.0 years. Females aged 13-15 years reported the highest incidence of self-harm within the past year (54.9%). Cutting elsewhere (other than on the arms) was more prevalent amongst females (56.4%). The mean wellbeing score for the whole sample (45.6) was lower than the WEMWBS validation score (48.8). Self-harm was associated with a significantly lower wellbeing score, with mean scores of 38.7 (ever self-harmed) and 46.8 (never self-harmed).

Conclusions: Self-harm remains prevalent amongst adolescents aged 13-18 years in England. An awareness of the age of peak incidence and risks associated with preferred harming behaviours is crucial during assessment and intervention. The promotion of wellbeing is important for all young people. Further study is needed on the ways in which wellbeing may prevent, or ameliorate, the distress associated with self-harm.