Abstract
Rates of Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH) have increased enormously in Pakistan despite the fact that many cases of
minor injuries go unreported due to the fear of penalization and stigma attached to DSH. In Pakistan, though
research has been done on the self-harm but the role of psychosocial factors is not explored. Therefore, this
study aimed at investigating the predictive role of psychosocial factors in DSH cases reported to the emergency
departments of three major hospitals. Deliberate Self-Harm, Quality of Life, Self-esteem, Emotional
Intelligence, Depression, Anxiety and Stress were measured using scales WHO Quality of Life, Self Image
Profile (SIP), Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQUE), DASS and indigenously developed DSH
scale respectively. A sample of 120 cases of Deliberate Self-Harm (M age= 19.2, SD= 3.22) was recruited.
Suicidal ideation was reported by 29.6% of the sample while 70.4% did not report intention to die with DSH.
Self-Poisoning (poisoning, acids, and organophosphates) was found to be the most common method of DSH
cases i.e. ingesting rat killing powder, toilet cleaners and insecticides. Self-cutting (using sharp objects like
knife, blades or glass) was the second most commonly reported method followed by overdose of prescription
medicine. There was found to be a strong positive correlation in scores of Depression, Anxiety and Stress
(DASS) and negative correlation in self-esteem, emotional intelligence and quality of life. Self-Esteem, Quality
of Life and Emotional intelligence mediated the relationship between Depression, Anxiety, Stress and
Deliberate Self-Harm. This research has clinical and research implications and further research on other
predictors can provide insight about this perplexing behavior.
Afifa Gull, Dr. Najma Najam. (2021) Psychosocial Predictors of Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Self-Harm: A Mediation Analysis, Pakistan Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, volume 19, issue 2.
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