Cannabis Misuse Was a Risk Factor for Self-Harm Onset in Chilean Adolescents
Among low-income Chilean adolescents, cannabis misuse was one of four factors predicting new onset self-harm over six months, alongside depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and poor problem-solving skills.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
In a cohort of 2,042 adolescents from socioeconomically deprived areas of Santiago, Chile, the lifetime prevalence of self-harm was 23%. Among those with no self-harm at baseline, 14% developed new self-harm episodes within six months.
In multivariable analyses controlling for other risk factors, cannabis misuse was independently associated with the onset of self-harm, alongside depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and poor problem-solving skills.
The prevalence and incidence of self-harm differed substantially by gender, reflecting patterns seen in Western countries where self-harm is more common among females during adolescence.
Key Numbers
2,042 adolescents, median age 14. Lifetime self-harm prevalence: 23%. 6-month incidence of new self-harm: 14%. Risk factors: depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, poor problem-solving, cannabis misuse.
How They Did This
This was a prospective cohort study nested within a cluster randomized controlled trial. 2,042 adolescents (median age 14) from deprived areas of Santiago, Chile were followed for 6 months. Self-harm was assessed at baseline and follow-up. Risk factors examined included depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, problem-solving skills, substance use, and demographic variables.
Why This Research Matters
Most research on adolescent self-harm has been conducted in Western, high-income countries. This study provides evidence from a low-income Latin American context, confirming that cannabis misuse is a risk factor for self-harm even in a different cultural and socioeconomic setting.
The Bigger Picture
Self-harm in adolescents is a global public health concern and a strong predictor of future suicide attempts. Identifying modifiable risk factors like cannabis misuse and problem-solving skills is important for developing prevention interventions that can be adapted across cultural contexts.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
The study cannot determine whether cannabis misuse causes self-harm or whether both are driven by shared underlying factors. Cannabis misuse was self-reported. The 6-month follow-up period may not capture the full trajectory of self-harm behavior. The sample is specific to low-income areas of Santiago and may not generalize broadly.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does treating cannabis misuse reduce self-harm risk?
- ?Are problem-solving skill interventions effective at preventing self-harm?
- ?Do these risk factors operate similarly across different cultural contexts?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 14% of adolescents developed new self-harm within 6 months; cannabis misuse was a predictor
- Evidence Grade:
- This is a prospective cohort study with appropriate statistical controls, providing moderate evidence for the association.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2014. Adolescent self-harm research has expanded globally since.
- Original Title:
- Factors associated with the development of self-harm amongst a socio-economically deprived cohort of adolescents in Santiago, Chile.
- Published In:
- Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 49(4), 629-37 (2014)
- Authors:
- Spears, Melissa, Montgomery, Alan A(2), Gunnell, David(2), Araya, Ricardo
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00866
Evidence Hierarchy
Enrolls participants and follows them forward in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis cause self-harm?
The study found an association, not proven causation. Cannabis misuse may increase self-harm risk through mood destabilization or impulsivity, or both behaviors may share common risk factors like depression or adverse environments.
Why is this study important if similar findings exist in Western countries?
Confirming risk factors across different cultural and socioeconomic contexts strengthens the evidence base and helps ensure prevention programs are appropriate for diverse populations.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00866APA
Spears, Melissa; Montgomery, Alan A; Gunnell, David; Araya, Ricardo. (2014). Factors associated with the development of self-harm amongst a socio-economically deprived cohort of adolescents in Santiago, Chile.. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 49(4), 629-37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-013-0767-y
MLA
Spears, Melissa, et al. "Factors associated with the development of self-harm amongst a socio-economically deprived cohort of adolescents in Santiago, Chile.." Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-013-0767-y
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Factors associated with the development of self-harm amongst..." RTHC-00866. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/spears-2014-factors-associated-with-the
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.