Researchers have identified characteristics in individuals associated with the likelihood of
engaging in self-harm. These characteristics have been linked to increased levels of
activity within the left frontal lobe of the brain. The purpose of the current study was to
investigate how characteristics associated with self-harm relate to brain
activation/deactivation within the frontal and parietal lobes and how this pattern differs
between groups. Sixty-five male and female students completed assessments that
assessed functioning in four regions of the brain. The results indicated that the
performance between groups on the Line Bisection Test, which taps into right parietal
functioning, was significant. However, a supplementary analysis did not indicate
significance. There were no significant differences in performance between groups on
other measures. The results may suggest a potential relationship between self-harm and
spatial cognition that future researchers should continue to clarify.
