The term "emo" can be confusing because it refers to not only a music style but also to the subculture that emerged among the fans and followers of the music. Emo music was initially derived from the hardcore punk movement in the mid 1980's. Introducing more emotionally-driven, angry and/or depression lyrics, the music came to be known "emopunk," "emocore" and "emotional hardcore." The small subculture shifted as it became more mainstream, intermingling with indie rock and introducing slower and darker sounds and lyrics.
As emo music gained in popularity, a darker subculture emerged with it, its characteristics not limited to musical persuasions. Emo came to be known as a style and attitude as well as a musical fan base. Emo fashion introduced dark colors, skinny jeans, Vans and Converse shoes, and leather bracelets and necklaces. Additionally, many in emo subculture opt for dark, short and choppy hairstyles.
Because of the moodiness and melancholy presented in emo music, the culture is laden with dark, sad sentiments and actions. The emotions represented in the music have been linked to inciting depression, anger and self-harm in teens. Although there is little factual evidence that teen depression rates are higher among those involved in emo culture, many psychologists assert that teenage angst and depression draw youths to the emo culture.
Dr Joseph M Carver, Ph.D, told CounselingResource.com that "a depressed and alienated teen often slips into an Emo or Gothic subculture, finding other teens who are also depressed, confused, alienated, and distressed. Sadly, the type of emotional support provided by these groups actually prolongs their emotional misery by encouraging further alienation."
Timesonline has asserted that depression can also be a tactic among teenagers to fit in with peers who also belong to the emo subculture.
Startling among the emo subculture is a growing trend of self-harm. While the correlation between self-harm and emo culture remains speculative, some psychologists believe there is a link between the dark, depressing culture and a tendency for self-harm, which includes cutting, scraping, burning, hitting and biting.
Although self-harm is a sign of deep emotional disturbance and has often been linked to such conditions as borderline personality disorder, other professionals believe that self-harming can also be a way to fit in with the crowd.
A child psychologist, Dr Tanya Byron, recently told Timesonline that "Among young peer groups a number of them will take up self-harm together as part of the emo culture."
In 2008,13 year-old Hannah Bond's suicide was linked to her involvement in the emo culture. Her parents blamed her glamorous perception of suicide on music and Web sites that promoted the behavior.
While Hanna's death may not represent a trend, the depressing nature of the emo culture leaves its correlation with teen depression and suicide open to speculation.