Nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: Role of sociodemographic and clinical factors, emotion regulation, and maladaptive personality traits

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the individual and psychosocial factors related to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Method: This study included patients with NSSI (n=44), non-NSSI patients (n=37), and a healthy control group (n=38) between 12 and 18 years of age. The clinical interviews were conducted with all participants. The participants completed an information form, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form. Results: In our findings, NSSI was associated with difficulties in peer relationships, disruption in family unity, domestic violence, smoking, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and suicidal ideation history. Patients in the NSSI group showed higher scores on the DERS than those in other groups. They also showed a higher level of maladaptive personality traits compared with adolescents in other groups. Our findings showed that NSSI was associated with suicidal ideation history and maladaptive personality traits. Conclusion: The existing literature and our findings indicate that previous suicidal ideation and maladaptive personality traits might be suggestive of NSSI. Considering these potential risk factors would allow clinicians to develop more suitable early intervention, follow-up, and treatment strategies for NSSI in the adolescent population.