This research looks at self-harm among adolescents with and without disabilities in the United Kingdom (UK). It is important to understand self-harm behaviours so we can address the risk factors for particular groups. In this research the term self-harm includes suicide, suicide attempts and self-injury.

From previous research we know that adults with disability have higher rates of self-harm compared to adults without disabilities. There is mixed evidence about self-harm among young people with disability and the related risk factors.

This research used data from the Millennium Cohort Study. The study followed a large group of children born in the UK in 2000-2002. The researchers looked at whether young people reported any suicide attempts up to age 17, and any reports of self-harm in the previous year. They also collected information on potential risk factors.

The authors found that risk factors for suicide attempts and self-harm were similar for people with and without disability. This included being female, non-heterosexual orientation, being bullying and depression.

Despite this, all self-harm behaviours were more common among young people with disability. Those with disabilities related to mental health and learning had the highest risk of self-harm. Self-harm was more common for individuals with more limiting disabilities compared with those with less limiting disabilities.

Further research is needed to investigate which of these risk factors can be reduced through interventions. This could be the risks of depression and bullying. The authors recommend that approaches to reduce self-harm among adolescents should be co-designed with people with lived experience of disability. This will ensure the approaches are equally effective for young people with disability.

About the author:

Alex (she/her) is a project coordinator on RAY. Alex is completing a Master of Public Health and is a family member of a person with disability.