Media Representations of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Abstract

Abstract This chapter reviews the extant literature on the relationship between representations of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in media and NSSI engagement. It places this discussion within the context of the cognitive-emotional model of NSSI and begins by looking at the risk and protective factors of exposure to NSSI content in traditional forms of media, including films, television, news, music, and print novels and comics. Consistent with the Werther and Papageno effects, it summarizes media depictions of NSSI as increasing or decreasing the likelihood someone will experience NSSI urges, behaviors, and stigma. It then discusses how framing of NSSI matters in terms of perpetuating stigma and unhelpful narratives or promoting new and more helpful narratives, highlighting its bidirectional association with cultural narratives and public perceptions of the behavior. It references guidelines for responsibly depicting NSSI in media and then focuses on challenges, recommendations, and future considerations related to researching NSSI and media. Finally, it discusses ethical concerns and clinical implications. Key takeaways include: the way in which NSSI is represented in media may increase or decrease the risk for NSSI, although research is limited and causal relationships cannot be inferred; use of trigger warnings in media to warn audiences of potentially disturbing content related to NSSI may be ineffective or problematic; referencing NSSI media guidelines as flexible and aspirational “principles of conduct” may increase their uptake among media professionals; cinematherapy and bibliotherapy using exemplar NSSI portrayals may help individuals self-reflect on their own NSSI from a safe distance and consider alternative coping behaviors.