Brookhaven Hospital: Mental Health Treatment for Behavioral Health Problems, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 2:09 PM
posted by Michael Mason

Self-Harm and the Goth Culture

Researchers have drawn a link between goth culture and self-harm:

"The study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that 53 percent of those who were linked to the Goth subculture reported self-harm and 47 percent had attempted suicide.
Even adjusting for other factors, such as alcohol abuse and previous depression, Goth identification was the strongest predictor of self harm or suicide attempts, the report said."

While a link has been made, perfectly legitimate questions arise. Is it possible that goth culture simply attracts people who self-harm already? And if so, does goth culture help, hinder, or ignore their behavior? An article on the same study says "Goth Culture May Protect Vulnerable Children."

In finding a connection between culture and mental illness, we help increase our understanding of important issues, but we also risk generating myths. For more information about self-harm, visit selfharm.net

Click here to read more about goth culture and mental health.
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Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.

Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.

Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.

Sarah McGee serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

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