Predictors of Self-Harming Behavior Among College Students with Disabilities Seeking Counseling Services

A growing number of college students report mental health concerns including self-harming behaviors, and studies have shown that students with disabilities report an increased number of mental health concerns compared to students without disabilities. While there are many studies informing the risk factors of self- harming behaviors of the general college student population, there are limited studies focused solely on students with disabilities. This study examines the self- harming behaviors of college students with disabilities receiving counseling in the United States, using data provided by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH). Participants were 12,132 college students from 140 colleges and universities who were registered with their campus' office of disability services and who completed the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62 (CCAPS-62). Three logistic regressions were conducted, predicting self-harming behaviors without suicidal intention, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts, respectively. The findings suggested that those with psychological disorder/conditions reported more self- harming behaviors than those without psychological disorder/conditions. All psychological symptoms measured in the CCAPS-62 predicted higher rate(s) of self-harming behaviors, while lower academic distress, higher depression, and higher family concerns predicted higher rate(s) of suicidal ideation and attempt for students with disabilities. The discussion describes the importance of early identification and intervention to detect warning signs and/or symptoms and can inform practitioners working with students with disabilities in postsecondary settings in identifying potential students at risk.