Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in the Schools: A Tiered Prevention Approach for Reducing Social Contagion

Abstract

Despite rising rates and prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and growing awareness in schools of NSSI social contagion, little discussion has taken place regarding ways to prevent and react to this prevalent issue occurring among youth in a school. The authors address how to prevent social contagion using a tiered response to intervention including primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary care. This article discusses each level of prevention and provides school counselors with intervention methods that have the potential to reduce or even avert social contagion among youth in school settings.