Goth Teens, Depression, and Self-harm

A recently published scientific research in The Lancet Psychiatry claims that,

The dark look associated with Goths may not be all show: Teens in this subculture appear more prone to depression and self-harm than their peers, researchers report.

Fifteen-year-olds who strongly identified as Goth — recognized by their distinctive black clothes, white and black makeup and black hair — were three times more likely to be depressed at 18 compared with teens who did not identify as Goth, the British researchers found.

The article emphasizes that becoming a goth does not necessarily cause an increased risk of self-harm and depression, and it may be that the goth subculture attracts people who are already in severe inner distress, who are susceptible to depression or with a tendency to self-harm.

(photo from here)

The question might be a spiritual one. Could it be that some individuals who are vulnerable because of other factors in their lives, such as family dynamics, struggles in social networks, life events, and traumas, are engaged in spiritual battles that entices them to join a community of peers who are more accepting and affirming of them? Our lives in many ways manifest in symbols. The look, the feel, the music, the clothing, the dark colors are speaking loudly to their community, crying for help in a battle against darkness.

You can read about this research here and here.

 

Or for greater details refer to the original study here.