VARIOUS: Risks to victimised youth in alternative cultures exposed

Press/Media: Research

Description

Young people belonging to alternative subcultures, such as goths, emos or metal fans, are at a greater risk of self-harm and suicide than those who do not, according to a research review out today.

Dr Peter Taylor, a clinical psychologist from The University of Manchester, says health, educational and social services need to be more aware of the risks to these young people.

“Victimisation, stigma and hate crime may explain the greater risk these individuals face. A prime example of that is the aggression faced by Sophie Lancaster in 2007,” said Dr Taylor.

“Sophie was tragically murdered by a group of young men purely because of her affiliation to Goth culture.”

The systematic review of 12 English language papers published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology was conducted by experts at The University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, the psychological services organisation Changing Minds UK, Leeds Beckett University and The University of Central Lancashire.

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/risks-to-victimised-youth-in-alternative-cultures-exposed/

Period4 Apr 2018

Media coverage

2

Media coverage

  • TitleGoths, emos and metal fans at greater risk of self-harm and suicide, study says
    Media name/outletThe Independent
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date4/04/18
    DescriptionYoung people who identify as goth and emo are more likely to self-harm or suffer suicidal thoughts, according to new research.

    The study of more than 6,000 teens and people in their 20s found those who belong to alternative subcultures – which also included punks and metal fans – were at greater risk than their peers.

    The increased likelihood of suffering appears to be so pronounced, the report’s authors argue, that authorities should even consider creating specialist services for such groups.
    URLhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/goth-emo-metal-fans-self-harm-suicide-risk-a8289031.html
    PersonsPeter Taylor
  • TitleYoung heavy metal fans five times more likely to self-harm or attempt suicide
    Media name/outletThe Telegraph
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date4/04/18
    DescriptionYoung heavy metal fans are five times more likely to self-harm or attempt suicide, a new study has found.

    Researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool found that groups belonging to alternative subcultures - which also include goths and emos - are at far greater risk of hurting themselves, possibly because they feel isolated from the rest of society.

    Clinical psychologist Dr Peter Taylor, of the University of Manchester, said doctors, teachers and social services should look out for signs of self abuse or depression in youngsters who visibly identified as goth or heavy metal fans.
    URLhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/04/04/young-heavy-metal-fans-five-times-likely-self-harm-attempt-suicide/
    PersonsPeter Taylor

Keywords

  • mental health
  • suicide
  • goths
  • emos
  • heavy metal
  • subcultures
  • psychology