Exposure to and experience of self-harm and self-harm related content: An exploratory network analysis

Exposure to the self-harm behaviour of others plays a role in individuals’ own thoughts and behaviours, but there has been little consideration broader range mediums through which exposure related content may occur. N = 477 participants completed an online study, including questions regarding lifetime history behaviours frequency with they had exposed via various mediums. Gaussian Markov random field network models were estimated using graphical LASSO extended Bayesian information criterion. Bootstrapping revealed that direct connection internet (rrp .34, 95% CI [.26, .42]) in-passing ‘miscellaneous’ .14, [.00, .23]). However, stability centrality was low (expected influence 0.52). The node greatest increase expected within miscellaneous “in-passing” exposure. In-passing is understudied medium. Our results suggest new types for future research. Data cross-sectional, so temporal relationships between could not be determined. Low networks suggests similar studies would benefit from larger sample sizes.