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Abstract
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Aims
Variability in the definitions and methods used to measure age of onset of self-harm lacks clarity. The objective of this scoping review is to map age of onset in young people ≤18 years, examining definitions used, operationalisation, and research methods.
Methods
This scoping review adhered to a published protocol and followed JBI guidance. This review included studies reporting age of onset of self-harm in people aged ≤18 years in any context. Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science were searched (21st June 2024), supplemented by a grey literature search. Data were independently screened, and subject to basic coding and narrative and graphical presentation.
Results and conclusions
41 studies were included. Most reported a mean age of onset between 12-14 years and conceptualised self-harm as suicidal or non-suicidal, with non-suicidal self-harm distributed in favour of a slightly younger onset age. In most studies (71%), onset was collected using retrospective report. Age of onset was generally younger in females, in non-suicidal self-injury versus suicide attempts, and in those with a longer self-harm trajectory.
This review highlights different ways in which age of onset of self-harm is investigated and differences in subgroups. It underscores the need for clearer, more consistent definitions to enhance the comparability of research findings. A better understanding of age of onset is critical for informing targeted clinical interventions and prevention efforts. Future research should aim to refine these definitions and employ more consistent methodologies to track age of onset across diverse populations.
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