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Goth Teens May Be At An Increased Risk For Depression, Self-Harm

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Teenagers who participate in the goth subculture may be more vulnerable to depression and self-harm than their non-goth peers, according to a recent study.

British researchers found that 15 years olds who identified strongly with being goth were three times more likely to be clinically depressed and were five times more likely to self-harm at age 18 than young people who did not identify with the goth subculture.

They believe this association between goth culture -- "most readily identified by its members' black clothes and makeup" -- and depression may be due to goths' tendency to ostracize themselves, The Guardian reported.

"Our study does not show that being a goth causes depression or self-harm, but rather that some young goths are more vulnerable to developing these conditions," Dr. Lucy Bowes, lead author of the study, said in a statement.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from nearly 3,700 teenagers who provided information on self-harm and depressive mood and the extent to which they identified as a goth at 15 years, and their self-reported depression and self-harm at age 18, BBC News reported. Participants were also asked about identification with a variety of other youth subcultures: "sporty," "populars," "skaters," "chavs," "loners," "keeners," and "bimbos."

Bowes and her colleagues found that the more young people identified with the goth subculture, the higher their likelihood of self-harm and depression. For example, compared to young people who did not identify as a goth at age 15, those who "somewhat" identified as a goth were 1.6 times as likely to have scores in the clinical range for depression at age 18, and teenagers who "very much" identified as belonging to the goth subculture were more than three times as likely to be depressed.

Although other subcultures, such as skaters and loners, were associated with adult depression and self-harm, the association was strongest for goths. Young people who self-identified as "sporty" were least likely to have depression or self-harm at age 18.

Researchers speculate that the goth subculture could provide an important source of validation and a community within which young people who do not conform with societal norms can be understood.

"Teenagers who are susceptible to depression or with a tendency to self-harm might be attracted to the goth subculture which is known to embrace marginalized individuals from all backgrounds, including those with mental health problems," co-author Dr. Rebecca Pearson explained.  "Alternatively, the extent to which young people self-identify with the goth subculture may represent the extent to which at-risk young people feel isolated, ostracized, or stigmatized by society. These young people may be attracted to like-minded goths who face similar stressors."

Researchers said more work needs to be done with young people in the goth community to identify those at risk of depression and self-harm and to provide support.

The findings are detailed in The Lancet Psychiatry.

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