In a First, Youth-Culture Researchers Actually Reach Right Conclusion

When I read the headline of a Scotsman article, Half of young goths have tried suicide, I assumed it would be another of those researchers have shown [insert youth-culture activity here] leads to [insert over-hyped detriment here] post hoc ergo procter hoc fallacies.

But no! These researchers apparently took the time to actually carry out actual, um, research.

...scientists think the [goth] subculture actually attracts self-harmers who can find support among peers to help them deal with problems.

The research found that self-harm was more common before becoming a goth or at around the same time, as opposed to afterwards.

[Ellipsis]

[A] 17-year-old schoolgirl, from East Kilbride, says that she eventually stopped harming herself when she was 15, thanks to the support of goth friends.

She says: "I realised that by doing what I was doing, I was scarring myself for ever. It was stupid so I stopped."

Good for her, and good for Glasgow University (where the research took place).