The examination of the relationship between identity confusion, dissociation and self-harming behavior in adolescents admitting to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic

In this study, the relationship between identity confusion, dissociation, and self-harm behavior in adolescents who applied to the child-adolescent psychiatry clinic is examined. Another aim of the study is to determine whether identity confusion and dissociation differ according to sociodemographic variables. The sample of the research consists of 176 participants aged 13-18 who applied to the child-adolescent clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital. Participants were given the Identity Status Assessment Tool (ISAT), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), the Self-Harm Behavior Assessment Inventory (SHBAI), and a Personal Data Form. The obtained data were analyzed using the Pearson Correlation test, Independent Samples T-test, and Mann-Whitney U Test in the SPSS program. According to the results, a significant relationship was found between identity confusion, dissociation, and self-harm behavior. Differences were found between identity confusion and the variables of gender and having a family history of psychological disorders. Differences were also found between dissociation and the variables of gender, parental marital status, and having a family history of psychological disorders. The analysis showed that the rates of identity confusion, dissociation, and self-harm behavior were quite high in the clinical sample of the adolescent group. A positive and moderate relationship was found between the sub-dimensions of self-harm behavior, specifically autonomous functions and social functions, and identity confusion and dissociation.