Strained mother-child relationship may lead your girl to suicide

Washington, Mar 9 (UNI) Next time, think twice before nagging your 15-year-old as it may drive her towards commiting suicide.

A recent study has revealed that a strained mother-daughter relationship along with a low level of serotonin may make adolescent girls more vulnerable to engage in self-harming behaviours.

Serotonin is the brain chemical that plays a crucial role in mood stability.

New University of Washington research published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology indicated that these two factors accounted for 64 per cent of the difference among adolescents who engaged in self-harming behaviours and those who did not.

''Girls who engage in self harm are at high risk for attempting suicide,'' co-author Theodore Beauchaine said.

Experts said the relationship between the level of mother-daughter conflict and self-harming behavior was not strong.

There was a stronger relationship between serotonin levels and self-harming behavior. When both factors were considered together, the relationship to self-harming behaviors became very strong.

According to the study, doing home chores was the most common area of conflict and resulted in serious arguments.

''Once self-harming behavior starts it is difficult to stop.

Over time, with something such as cutting, children's bodies react to it in a way that helps reduce biological and psychological pain.

They essentially become addicted to this behavior,'' Mr Beauchaine said.

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