A study of goth kids finds that goths are more likely to "self-harm" but that they became goths after this behavior manifested, and suggests that goth subculture might in fact help messed-up kids stop hurting themselves:
"One common suggestion is they may be copying subcultural icons or peers [when they self-harm], but our study found that more young people reported self-harm before, rather than after, becoming a goth. This suggests that young people with a tendency to self-harm are attracted to the goth subculture," says Robert Young, who led the study.
"Rather than posing a risk, it's also possible that by belonging to the goth subculture, young people are gaining valuable social and emotional support from their peers." But he cautions: "However, the study was based on small numbers and replication is needed to confirm our results." Only 25 participants felt strongly associated with goth culture.
Check out this comparative media study opportunity while we're at it: The New Scientist headline on this story is Goth subculture may protect vulnerable children, and the BBC's is Goths 'more likely to self-harm'.
Update: Mike sez, "UPI went further in misrepresenting things: They did not even mention the positive aspects of the study in their article!"
