Self- and Other-Harm in the Aftermath of Childhood Maltreatment: A Longitudinal Study of Mortality Risk

• In Event: Consequences of Childhood Maltreatment and Witnessing Arrests on Youth and Adults

Abstract

Research has traditionally studied individuals who engage in self-harm and those who engage in other-harm as belonging to distinct populations. However, growing evidence challenges this dichotomy, demonstrating that some individuals engage in both self- and other-harm, either sequentially or concurrently. This subgroup may be at particularly high risk for adverse outcomes later in life compared to individuals with no-harm (no history of self-harm or other-harm) or single-harm (history of either self-harm or other-harm) groups. In this study, we leverage data from a unique prospective cohort design study (n = 1,196) that tracked individuals with documented court cases of childhood maltreatment, along with demographically matched controls, into adulthood. Our analysis examines differences in mortality risk across harm levels and explores the role of childhood maltreatment and other key risk factors. By identifying distinct risk profiles, this research provides insights into the long-term consequences of inward and outward aggression, informing interventions aimed at reducing mortality.

Authors

• Diego Diaz-Faes, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health

• Cathy Spatz Widom, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY