An Examination of the Relationship Between Characteristics Associated with Self-Harm and Brain Function

Abstract

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.