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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2014 pp 133-137

General Article

Pattern of coping in deliberate self harm: A study on Indian adolescents

Amrita Chakraborti1, Prasenjit Ray2, Amit Kumar Bhattacharyya3, Paramita Ray4,  Asim Kumar Mallick5

1Resident, 2RMO cum Clinical Tutor, 3Associate Professor, 4Assistant Professor, 5Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Burdwan Medical College, Kolkata – 700107, West Bengal, INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Abstract

 

Objectives: Intentional self harm with non fatal outcome, known as deliberate self harm (DSH), considered a major risk factor of suicide, is common among adolescents. Purpose of the current study is to observe the coping styles in adolescents attempting DSH. Methods: In this cross sectional study, adolescents of 10-19 yrs of age, attempting self harm in recent past were assessed using Coping Checklist (CCL-1). Apart from noting the different socio-demographic and clinical variables, the underlying coping mechanisms were meticulously observed in the study population. Results: Among the 51 participants, mean age was 16.25 (±2.02) years. Commonest method of DSH was pesticide poisoning (84.3%). Majority (45.1%) did not have any clinical diagnosis, 27.5% had depression. Mean score of CCL-1 was 12 (±9.47), commonest coping style used was emotional coping, among which denial was commonest. Use of positive distraction and social support seeking were higher in older adolescents (p=0.047) and subjects with higher educational level (p=0.002), respectively. Conclusion: Limited repertoire of coping techniques and maladaptive coping, as observed in the current study, offers some understanding of the adolescents who attempt deliberate self harm. The prominence of positive distraction and social support seeking in some select subgroups might be reasons for optimism