Religion, ethnicity, coping style, and self-reported self-harm in a diverse non-clinical UK population

Abstract

Previous studies of ethnic and cultural differences in self-harm have focussed on overdose and suicide attempts by South Asian women. Research comparing ethnic groups has rarely examined religion or nationality. To achieve a more balanced approach this study examined self-harm methods and self-injury across gender, religion and ethnic group in a non-clinical population. Six hundred and seventeen university students completed a questionnaire asking whether they had ever harmed themselves, and the frequency and method of any self-harm. White participants and participants with no religious affiliation were more likely to report repeated incidents of self-harm, mainly scratching and cutting skin. Hindu religion was associated with lower levels of repeated self-harm. Asian males were less likely to report self-harm than both Asian females and other males. Black students were less likely to report cutting and scored highest on Rational coping style. The results raise questions about differential disclosure of self-harm across gender and culture.

Experiences of coping with injury in Division I athletes from low-to-middle socioeconomic status backgrounds

“…African Americans and Hispanics tended to used more emotion-focused coping, such as distancing and accepting responsibility than Whites. Contrary to these findings and the aforementioned theory, Borrill, Fox, and Roger (2011) found that among a sample of UK students who often engaged in self-harming activities (e.g., cutting),…”

Mental illness and suicide in British South Asian adults

“…In contrast, Borrill et al (2011) found rates for self-harm were low among Hindu and Sikh university students in the United Kingdom.…”

“…A recent study of self-harm among university students found rates significantly higher among Asian females than males, though Asian rates overall were unremarkable (Borrill, Fox, & Roger, 2011). Evidence from India suggests mental illness may be implicated relatively rarely, and social and situational stresses (work, financial and alcohol problems for men, domestic problems, inlaw relationships and victimisation for women) are relatively common compared to evidence from Europe and North America (Parkar, Dawani, & Weiss, 2008).…”

Spirituality/Religiosity, Life Satisfaction, and Life Meaning as Protective Factors for Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury in College Students

“…In a qualitative study (Wagner & Rehfuss, ), participants who self‐injure reported that they were negatively influenced by a Christian upbringing, but exploration and development of personal spiritual and religious beliefs and practices had positive effects on reducing the occurrence of participants' self‐injury rates. Borrill, Fox, and Roger () found that individuals who endorsed a religion (i.e., Christian, Muslim, Hindu) were less likely to report repeated NSSI than individuals who did not endorse a religion. Consistent with this finding, Klonsky and Glenn () found that individuals who self‐injure reported that the use of spiritual and religious coping mechanisms helped them to resist urges to self‐injure.…”