Goths, emos and metal fans at greater risk of self-harm and suicide, study says

A greater chance of experiencing victimisation and hate crime has been suggested as a possible cause for increased risk

Participants dressed in gothic costumes walk near Whitby Abbey at the biannual 'Whitby Goth Weekend' (Getty/Oli Scarff)

Young 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.

A greater chance of experiencing victimisation and hate crime was suggested as a possible cause for the increased risk. So, too, was the idea that such groups traditionally attract self-defined outsiders who may already be suffering some residual depression.

“The general consensus has always been that a link between being part of a subculture and being more likely to self-harm was something of a myth,” said Dr Peter Taylor, co-author and psychologist at the University of Manchester.

“But not only does this research show there is a clear correlation but, I would suggest, it’s so defined there is an argument that specialist support services with strategies geared to helping people in these groups would be an effective strategy for reducing the overall numbers of young people who self-harm or suffer suicidal thoughts.”

Health, education and social service staff should be made aware of the link and build it into their strategies for dealing with young people, he added.

“I’m not saying if someone comes into the doctors wearing a black hoodie, they should automatically assume to be at risk,” Dr Taylor said, “but the culture they identify with may help form part of a greater picture.”

The research – a joint work by psychologists at the University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, Leeds Beckett University and The University of Central Lancashire – is published this month in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology.

It has analysed the findings of a dozen other studies carried out over 25 years to give the clearest ever picture on how subculture and self-harm may be linked.

“These findings show why organisations such as the Sophie Lancaster Foundation have an important job of increasing awareness about victimisation of alternative subcultures and the effect that has on individuals,” Dr Taylor said.

Sophie Lancaster was murdered in a Lancashire park in 2007 after being set upon by a gang of men because she was wearing goth clothes.

Commenting on the research, an NSPCC spokesperson said: “No child should be targeted or made to feel ashamed because of who they are, so it is vitally important to reduce stigma targeted at different sub-cultures in our society.”

If you have been affected by this story, you can contact the following organisations for support:

http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123.