Self-Harm Experiences Among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Young Adults

Very little research exists on self-harm in Hispanic populations, although there is a strong literature that addresses suicidality in Hispanics. This study compares self-reported rates of self-harm in 255 non-Hispanic White (NHW) and 187 Hispanic (predominantly Mexican American) undergraduate students. Results indicated that self-harm is relatively common, with 31% of the sample reporting some history of self-harm. Rates and specific types of self-harm did not significantly differ between the NHW and Hispanic groups. A global measure of Mexican American acculturation was not related to reports of self-harm. However, a more specific scale assessing Mexican orientation was significantly and negatively related to self-harm for Hispanic men, suggesting that Mexican orientation may be a protective factor with regard to self-harm for men.