University of Bristol

Academic Institute

B3851

Research has consistently suggested that offspring of parents with self-harm thoughts and behaviors (STB) are at greater risk for STB themselves. For example, a recent meta-analysis concluded that family history of STB was moderately associated with both offspring suicidal ideation (OR 2.13) and attempts (OR 1.57). However, it is unclear how the risk of STB is transmitted from parent to child, and whether there are protective factors that may modify this association (e.g., peer/family support). Suicidal behavior is known to be heritable, and it is likely that intergenerational effects are driven by a combination of genetic and environmental pathways.

The findings will improve understanding of the mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of self-harm thoughts and behaviour and will help to inform preventative interventions

24/08/2021