Does Multidimensional Self-Concept Mediate the Relationship of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Bullying Victimization on Deliberate Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation Among Adolescent Girls?

Reeve S. Kennedy, Carlomango C. Panlilio, Casey A. Mullins, Charles Alvarado, Sarah A. Font, Ann Christin Haag, Jennie G. Noll

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Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and bullying victimization are well-established risk factors for deliberate self-harm (DSH) and suicidal ideation (SI). Research ties aspects of self-concept, such as self-esteem, with victimization and self-harm. Yet, there is limited evidence of the role of multidimensional self-concept in the victimization-self-harm association. Using a longitudinal sample of 422 adolescent girls from a large midwestern city, 35% with recently substantiated CSA-exposure and 51% with recent bullying victimization at baseline, we examined pathways from CSA-exposure and bullying victimization to subsequent DSH and SI, with global self-worth and five subscales of self-concept as mediators (social competence, close friendships, physical appearance, scholastic competence, and behavioral conduct). Data was collected from 2012 to 2015. CSA-exposure directly increased the risk of both SI (B.50, SE.23, p <.05) and DSH (B.53, SE.22, p < 5), while global self-worth fully mediated the relationship between bullying victimization, SI (B.21, SE.07, 95% BCB-CI 1.17–1.95, p <.01), and DSH (B.15, SE.06, 95% BCB-CI 1.10–1.69, p <.05), We found no evidence of mediation for the subscales model. Both CSA-exposure and bullying victimization directly reduced specific subscales of self-concept, while behavioral conduct increased the risk of DSH. The role of self-concept in the bullying/self-harm association and the direct effects of CSA-exposure on self-harm highlight areas of need in social work practice, specifically the need to incorporate an emphasis on trusting relationships, overall well-being, and the reduction of shame into trauma-informed therapy and bullying prevention efforts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalChild and Adolescent Social Work Journal
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • General Social Sciences

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