Self-harm risk factors
There are many different risk factors which can increase a person's vulnerability to self-harm
Understanding the risk factors for self-harm can help us to be aware of who is most vulnerable.
For example, we know that young people in care, prisons, inpatient units, sheltered housing or boarding schools are at a higher-than-average risk of self-harm.
The table below shows the individual, family and social risk factors that may increase a young person’s vulnerability to self-harm.
When thinking about a young person's risk, it is important to remember:
If a young person has been exposed to multiple risk factors, it does not necessarily mean they will self-harm.
Some young people who seem to have no risk factors may self-harm.
If a young person has been exposed to multiple risk factors, it does not necessarily mean they will self-harm.
Some young people who seem to have no risk factors may self-harm.
