Menu
28/08/2015
Study Suggests 'Goths' At Higher Risk Of Depression
Young people who identify themselves as 'goths' are more likely to be at risk of depression and self-harm, according to new research.
Findings published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal show that teenagers who identified strongly with being a goth at age 15 were three times more likely to be clinically depressed.
Goths are also more likely to self-harm at age 18 than young people who did not identify with the subculture.
Dr Lucy Bowes from the University of Oxford said: "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."
The study looked at 3,694 15-year-olds based around Bristol.
Researchers discovered the more young people who identified as goth, the higher their likelihood of self-harm and depression.
Those who identified with the group were also more likely to have other wide ranging individual, family and social issues including emotional and behavioural difficulties, psychiatric disorder, a history of bullying and the mental health of mothers.
Although some other subcultures were also associated with adult depression and self-harm (ie, 'skaters' and 'loners') the associated was strongest for goths.
Young people who self-identified as 'sporty' were least likely to have depression or self-harm at age 18.
The authors of the study concluded more work need to be done with young people in the goth community to identify those at risk and to provide them support.
(LM)
Findings published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal show that teenagers who identified strongly with being a goth at age 15 were three times more likely to be clinically depressed.
Goths are also more likely to self-harm at age 18 than young people who did not identify with the subculture.
Dr Lucy Bowes from the University of Oxford said: "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."
The study looked at 3,694 15-year-olds based around Bristol.
Researchers discovered the more young people who identified as goth, the higher their likelihood of self-harm and depression.
Those who identified with the group were also more likely to have other wide ranging individual, family and social issues including emotional and behavioural difficulties, psychiatric disorder, a history of bullying and the mental health of mothers.
Although some other subcultures were also associated with adult depression and self-harm (ie, 'skaters' and 'loners') the associated was strongest for goths.
Young people who self-identified as 'sporty' were least likely to have depression or self-harm at age 18.
The authors of the study concluded more work need to be done with young people in the goth community to identify those at risk and to provide them support.
(LM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 April 2006
High rate of self-harm among Goths
Teenage Goths are more likely to self-harm and attempt suicide than teenagers involved in other subcultures, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Glasgow surveyed 1,258 young people at the age of 11, 13, 15 and 19 about self-harm and identification with a variety of youth subcultures, including Goth.
High rate of self-harm among Goths
Teenage Goths are more likely to self-harm and attempt suicide than teenagers involved in other subcultures, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Glasgow surveyed 1,258 young people at the age of 11, 13, 15 and 19 about self-harm and identification with a variety of youth subcultures, including Goth.
13 June 2008
Teenagers Appeal Life Sentences For 'Goth' Murder
Two teenagers jailed for life for the murder a young 'Goth' woman are appealing their sentences. Sophie Lancaster, 20, and her boyfriend Robert Maltby – also a Goth – were attacked in Stubbylee Park in March by a gang of five youths. Mr Maltby was punched after someone in the gang shouted "let's bang him".
Teenagers Appeal Life Sentences For 'Goth' Murder
Two teenagers jailed for life for the murder a young 'Goth' woman are appealing their sentences. Sophie Lancaster, 20, and her boyfriend Robert Maltby – also a Goth – were attacked in Stubbylee Park in March by a gang of five youths. Mr Maltby was punched after someone in the gang shouted "let's bang him".
05 January 2009
Young Adults With Depression 'Desperately' Need Help
A significant number of young adults need more assistance dealing with mental health problems, a new report has warned. The survey of 16 to 25-year-olds compiled by the Prince's Trust found one in 10 young people believed life was not worth living, or meaningless. Polling company YouGov questioned 2,004 people online.
Young Adults With Depression 'Desperately' Need Help
A significant number of young adults need more assistance dealing with mental health problems, a new report has warned. The survey of 16 to 25-year-olds compiled by the Prince's Trust found one in 10 young people believed life was not worth living, or meaningless. Polling company YouGov questioned 2,004 people online.
29 October 2008
Teenage Goth Murderer's Sentence Reduced
One of the teenagers who murdered a young woman because she was dressed as a 'goth' has had his sentence reduced. Ryan Herbert, 16, of Bacup, Lancashire, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for killing 20-year-old Sophie Lancaster last year.
Teenage Goth Murderer's Sentence Reduced
One of the teenagers who murdered a young woman because she was dressed as a 'goth' has had his sentence reduced. Ryan Herbert, 16, of Bacup, Lancashire, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for killing 20-year-old Sophie Lancaster last year.
07 October 2008
Teenagers Appeal 'Goth Murder' Sentence
A gang of teenagers, convicted of carrying out a vicious attack on a couple, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old woman, are to appeal against their sentences. Two teenagers were found guilty of the murder of Sophie Lancaster, 20, last summer in Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Lancashire.
Teenagers Appeal 'Goth Murder' Sentence
A gang of teenagers, convicted of carrying out a vicious attack on a couple, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old woman, are to appeal against their sentences. Two teenagers were found guilty of the murder of Sophie Lancaster, 20, last summer in Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Lancashire.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
