Association between deliberate self-harm-related Internet searches and the mental states and lifetime suicidal behaviors of Japanese young adults

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the association between the experience of searching for deliberate self-harm (DSH)-related Internet content and the mental states and lifetime suicidal behaviors of Japanese young adults (n = 1000) using an online questionnaire. The results were assessed using χ2 and t-tests, which revealed that the experience of DSH-related Internet searches may be significantly associated with lifetime suicidal behaviors (including DSH), suicidal ideation, and tendencies towards depression/anxiety. We discussed the possibility of using search engines to increase the motivation of Japanese young adults who deliberately harmed themselves with regard to seeking help. © 2012 The Author. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2012 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.