Victimization and Exposure to Pro-Self-Harm and Pro-Suicide Websites: A Cross-National Study
: Minkkinen Jaana, Oksanen Atte, Kaakinen Markus, Keipi Teo, Räsänen Pekka
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
: 2017
: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
: 47
: 1
: 14
: 26
: 13
: 0363-0234
: 1943-278X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12258
The study of websites displaying methods of both physical self-harm and suicide has become an important aspect of deliberate self-injury and suicide research. However, little is known about contextual factors related to entering such sites. Using data from 3,567 respondents aged 15–30 in the US, UK, Germany, and Finland, we found that experiences of victimization are associated with entering pro-self-harm sites and pro-suicide sites. Also, the victimization context had relevance, as online victimization was particularly related to pro-self-harm behavior. The findings suggest a need to organize more specific online support for the victims of violence and online aggression.