Risk Factors Risk factors for self-harm was evident in almost all of the journal articles with the most conspicuous risk factor being age (Walsh, 2006; Engstrom & Laflamme, 2002; Ross & Hearth 2002). According to Best (2006) and Favazza (1996), self-harm usually begins during adolescence and it can continue through to adulthood because of its repetitive nature. Reasons as to why self-harm begins in adolescence include: low self esteem, being bullied, family and peer relationships, being worried about school performance, struggling with sexuality and history of abuse from childhood (Jones, 2014; Hawton et.al, 2003; Borschmann, 2014). Children with a history of abuse especially sexual abuse “may not have the skill to deal with the emotions
