Internet use and web communication networks, sources of social support, and forms of suicidal and nonsuicidal self-injury among adolescents: Different patterns between genders

Résumé

The relationships of Internet use, web communication, and sources of social support with adolescent self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) in Taiwan were investigated. The study sample of 391 12 to 18-year-olds was selected from nine public high schools. Findings show that girls are more likely to have SITBs, except for suicide gestures. Web communication is a risk factor for SITBs in boys but not in girls. Family support is protective in both genders. Support from friends is protective and support from significant others was a risk factor for suicide plans in girls. Support from virtual social communities can have both positive and negative effects on adolescent SITBs, with different effects by gender. TAÏWAN ASIE GENRE HOMME FEMME ADOLESCENT TENTATIVE NON-SUICIDAIRE AUTO-MUTILATION INTERNET ORDINATEUR SOUTIEN-SOCIAL RECHERCHE-AIDE FACTEUR-PROTECTION