Exploring the Relationship Between Area Characteristics and Self-Harm: old and new Approaches

The development of successful area-based interventions to reduce the incidence of self-harm requires a greater understanding of the complex relationship between self-harm behaviours & individual & environmental characteristics. Old approaches, such as ecological studies, are discussed. A number of new approaches from other fields of research, e.g. social capital, measures of locality, & multilevel modelling, are described. Areas in transition also provide opportunities for research. It is concluded these “new” methodologies may prove useful in the development of successful area-based interventions for self-harm. (28 refs.)