History Of Non-suicidal Self-injury Research Articles

The Role of Affect Valence and Pain in Differentiating Young Women With and Without Histories of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) often helps regulate affect, yet there is conflicting research on the immediate affective outcomes of pain and NSSI. People also engage in NSSI for intrapersonal and interpersonal reasons. It is unclear whether affective shifts post-pain task differentiate individuals with and without NSSI histories, and are influenced by interpersonal or intrapersonal motives for NSSI. The present study examined the effect of pain on affective shifts, and to investigate motives for NSSI as moderators. Participants were 134 women (n = 77 with recent/recurrent NSSI), that completed measures of NSSI and reported their positive and negative affect pre- and post-pain-task. Our findings suggest that participants without a history of NSSI reported greater decreases in positive affect pre-to-post task. NSSI history did not predict fluctuations in negative affect after controlling for stress. Namely, at low levels of stress, participants reported greater decreases in negative affect following the pain task. Finally, interpersonal motives for NSSI predicted increased positive affect following the endurance of pain. Findings suggest that affect changes in response to pain may not be differentially associated with NSSI history; however, among people with a history of NSSI, interpersonal motives may predict changes in positive affect following a pain task.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in College Students: Differences Between the Subject Group and Comparison Group

In recent years, self-injury attempts have accounted for 46.2% of emergency room visits by teenagers and young adults. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among Korean college students, compare the mean number of NSSI risk factors between those with a history of NSSI and a control group with no history of thoughts or experiences of self-injury, and identify which factors have a greater influence on NSSI. The participants consisted of 403 Korean college students aged 18–29 who were divided into a subject group with a history of NSSI (n = 198) and a comparison group (n = 205) with no history of NSSI. The Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), Social Experience Questionnaire (SEQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale—16 item version (DERS-16), Experiences in Close Relationship Questionnaire-Revised (ECR-R), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Parents as Social Context Questionnaire-Kids (PSCQ-KA), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11-Revised (BIS-11). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Before a regression analysis, a MANOVA was performed to examine the mean difference between groups of each dependent variable, and a multiple regression analysis was performed to confirm the influence. The mean difference in all risk factors in the subject group compared with the comparison group was found to be statistically significant, with an effect size of 0.8 or greater. As a result of examining the relative influence of each variable on NSSI, emotional dysregulation (t = 2.481, p = 0.014), anxiety (t = −2.109, p = 0.036), and adult attachment (t = 2.004, p = 0.046) were found to significantly influence NSSI (p = 0.05). These findings will serve as fundamental data for screening clients at risk of self-injury in counseling and treatment settings, in addition to providing preventive and therapeutic interventions.

The Relationship Between Self-Control and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatients: Exploring the Role of Self-Control.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health concern that threatens the physical and mental health of adolescents. Given its high prevalence among adolescents, understanding the characteristics and contributing factors of NSSI is crucial. This study aimed to characterize NSSI and examine the relationship between self-control and NSSI among adolescent psychiatric outpatients. This study was conducted in a psychiatric department of a hospital in Hubei Province, China, involving 206 adolescent psychiatric outpatients (135 females, 12-18 years old). Assessments included the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI), the Self-Control Scale (SCS), and a self-designed sociodemographic questionnaire. In this sample, 77.18% reported a history of NSSI. The prevalence of NSSI was significantly higher in females than in males (χ2 = 19.059, p < 0.01). The NSSI group had significantly lower self-control scores compared to the non-NSSI group (F = 27.458, p < 0.01). In the NSSI group (n = 156), self-control was negatively associated with NSSI frequency and fully mediated by NSSI function. These findings highlight the complete mediating role of NSSI function between self-control and NSSI frequency, offering insights for future prevention and intervention efforts.

The motives for non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents with psychiatric disorders

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an intentional act that results in physical damage to one’s body, without the intent to commit suicide. In recent years, self-injurious behaviors, including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), have increased, especially among adolescents and young adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the motives for NSSI among adolescents with psychiatric disorders.MethodsAdolescents aged 12 to 18 years including patients admitted to the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at a state hospital in Babol (northern Iran) and outpatients referring to this center were included in the research. Data collection occurred between February 2021 and September 2021 from a sample of 140 participants. All subjects were given a demographic questionnaire and an inventory of statements about self-injury (Klonsky and Glenn). Moreover, a structured interview was conducted with all to diagnose the nature of the underlying disorder by a child and adolescent psychiatrist.ResultsA total of 140 adolescents with mean age 16.25 ± 1.48 years were assessed. Eighty-five (60.7%) of them were girls. Sixty-five (46.4%) individuals were inpatients and 75 (53.6%) were outpatients; 78 (55.8%) had a history of NSSI and 62 (44.2%) cases had no history of self-injury. The most common method of self-injury was Wounding or cutting a part of the body (n = 56(40.0%)). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) emerged as the most common psychiatric diagnosis among individuals with a history of NSSI. Emotion regulation was the most common motive for self-injury (p = 0.004). The prevalence of self-injury was higher among adolescent girls (p = 0.049). There was no significant relationship between self-injury and inpatient or outpatient status (p = 0.342).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that NSSI in adolescents is not limited to a specific or single motive; instead, multiple factors contribute to its occurrence. NSSI methods can also vary, and all should be considered when examining this behavior.

Trajectory of Non-suicidal Self-Injury among adolescents with borderline personality disorder over a 5-year period

BackgroundEngagement in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is high among adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but the trajectory of NSSI in the transition period from adolescence to adulthood is unclear, and studies that look at predictors of persistence are highly needed.MethodsThis study followed 111 adolescents aged 14–17 with BPD over a five-year period to observe the prevalence and predictors of NSSI. Information on NSSI was based on both self-report and clinician-administered interviews.ResultsAt the outset, 92.8% reported a history of NSSI, with an average of nearly five different types of NSSI. Despite this high initial prevalence, the rates of NSSI within the past two weeks decreased over time from 48% at baseline to 26% after one year, and further to 10% after two years. After five years, 37% reported engaging in NSSI within the past six months. Notably, all but one participant who reported NSSI after five years had engaged in NSSI already at baseline. The study identified that higher adolescent-rated but lower parent-rated BPD severity was associated with engagement in NSSI at baseline. Furthermore, ongoing NSSI after five years was predicted by lower parent-rated BPD severity and externalizing behaviors.ConclusionsNSSI is frequent in the early course of BPD, and persists in more than one-third after five years. Our findings highlight that baseline engagement in NSSI is a risk factor for persistence of NSSI in the transition period into early adulthood. Furthermore, the findings underscore the significance of integrating both adolescent and parent perspectives on BPD pathology in the assessment and management of NSSI.

Are the functions of non-suicidal self-injury associated with its persistence and suicide risk in university students? Insights from a network analysis.

To date, a number of intra- and interpersonal functions of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) have been identified. Yet, their association with persistence of NSSI and suicide risk remains unknown. The study aimed to investigate which functions of NSSI are associated with its persistence and suicide risk in university students using a network analysis. Altogether, 830 university students reporting a lifetime history of NSSI were enrolled. The persistence of NSSI was defined as its presence over preceding 12 months. Persistent NSSI was directly connected to the nodes representing two functions of NSSI: affect regulation and self-punishment. Suicide risk was directly connected to the anti-suicide function of NSSI. The shortest pathway from persistent NSSI to suicide risk led through depressive symptoms. Other likely pathways (three mediating nodes) led through the functions of NSSI (affect regulation or self-punishment, anti-dissociation, and anti-suicide). Depressive symptoms had the highest centrality. However, it did not differ significantly compared to some functions of NSSI (marking distress, anti-dissociation, toughness, and affect regulation). In university students, persistent NSSI might be directly associated with its functions related to affect regulation and self-punishment, while suicide risk might be directly associated with the anti-suicide function. The observations posit a role of intrapersonal functions in shaping the outcomes of NSSI. Depressive symptoms and some NSSI functions might be the most promising targets for interventions in this population.

Prospectively predicting 6-month risk for non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents after psychiatric hospitalization based on a predictive model.

It is challenging to predict the occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents over short periods. Moreover, the predictive value of indices for NSSI remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to identify predictors of NSSI within 6 months among adolescents after psychiatric hospitalization by establishing a risk assessment model. A total of 632 high-risk participants were included in this study. The distribution characteristics of adolescent NSSI were initially assessed through a cross-sectional survey, following which risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis. The risk score method was then used to construct a 6-month risk assessment model for NSSI. Lastly, the predictive effect of the model was evaluated by indicators such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the positive predictive value. After 6 months, 412 cases of NSSI were identified. According to the logistic regression model, the frequency of relapses, medication status, and NSSI history were identified as influencing factors. Higher scores on the Impulsive Behavior Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were associated with a higher risk of NSSI. Conversely, higher scores on the Pain and Belief Perception Scale were correlated with a lower risk of NSSI. Moreover, the area under the ROC curve for the predictive model was 0.9989, with a 95% confidence interval of (0.9979, 0.9999), highlighting its high predictive ability and accuracy. The predictive model was validated using 78 patients, yielding an area under the ROC curve of 0.9703 and a 95% confidence interval of (0.9167, 0.9999), demonstrating outstanding predictability. These results collectively showed that the predictive model could accurately predict adolescent NSSI. Thus, the model's primary variables may be applied to predict the risk of NSSI in the clinical setting.

The effectiveness and acceptability of formal versus informal mindfulness among university students with and without recent self-injury: A randomized controlled trial.

Mindfulness instruction comprising both formal (FM) and informal (IM) mindfulness practice is increasingly offered to university students. FM involves sustaining attention on thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations through structured practices, while IM involves incorporating mindfulness into daily activities. However, recent evidence suggests that FM may pose challenges for students with recent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), whereas the flexibility and brevity inherent in IM may be better tolerated. This randomized controlled trial compared a FM induction, IM induction and control task among university students with (n = 103) and without (n = 123) past-year NSSI in terms of acceptability and pre-post state mindfulness, stress and well-being. Notably, results did not differ as a function of NSSI history. Two-way ANOVAs revealed that only IM was consistently preferred over the control task. Furthermore, three-way mixed ANOVAs revealed that-when assessed using brief Visual Analogue Scales-state well-being increased in all conditions, state mindfulness increased after both IM and FM, and state stress only decreased after IM. Notably, these differences by condition appeared to be of short duration as they were not found with lengthier measures. Results highlight the potential promise of IM and the importance of measurement selection when assessing the transient effects of mindfulness inductions in research.

Differences between networks of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in medical students with and without a history of non-suicidal self-injury.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is deliberate self-harm without the intent to die. NSSI is associated with mental health issues and has a higher prevalence among medical students. Understanding the cognitive emotion regulation strategies in NSSI is important for intervention and prevention. Network analysis provides a holistic perspective on these strategies. Participants were 405 individuals (68.6% female) with a mean age of 22.7 years (standard deviation: 3.97, range: 17-55 years), recruited from Tehran, Iran. Upon conducting an initial screening, it was found that 68 individuals from our sample acknowledged a prior history of NSSI. A network analysis showed that that students with a history of NSSI perceived themselves to have difficulties in putting into perspective, positive reappraisal, and self-blame. Compared to students without NSSI, those with NSSI exhibited negative associations between putting into perspective and rumination (PIP__RUM: -0.240) and positive associations between positive refocusing and catastrophizing (PR__Catast: 0.61). This study discovered notable distinctions in the cognitive processing and coping strategies of medical students with and without a history of NSSI. These findings contribute to the existing literature on the link between cognitive-emotional processes and NSSI, informing the development of interventions to decrease such behaviors.

"I have some people who actually really care:" Young sexual minority women's lived experiences of non-suicidal self-injury disclosure.

Sexual minority youth are more likely to engage in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) than their heterosexual peers, and sexual minority women demonstrate greater risk of NSSI than their sexual minority male counterparts. However, a lack of research exists on NSSI among young sexual minority women, particularly their NSSI disclosure experiences. We used a descriptive-interpretive, qualitative design with semi-structured interviews to examine young sexual minority women's lived experiences disclosing NSSI and of others' responses to these disclosures. The sample included 65 sexual minority women aged 14-30 recruited via paid social media advertising from across the U.S. We performed an inductive thematic analysis of transcripts from 58 participants (89%) who reported a history of NSSI. Participants shared reasons for disclosure (wanting help, communicating distress) or nondisclosure (cultural stigmas), types of disclosure (accidental/involuntary, and direct/voluntary), and recipients of a disclosure (friends, partners, mental health providers, and parents). They also described responses to, and feelings after, NSSI disclosure, revealing two themes: i) Unhelpful/stigmatizing responses (based on fear, anger, and apathy) and ii) Helpful/destigmatizing responses (expressions of concern, emotional support, and alternative coping strategies). Overall, young sexual minority women's disclosure experiences were consistent with those of other populations, highlighting the need to further reduce stigma about NSSI, as well as sexual minority identities, and provide universal education promoting helpful responses to NSSI disclosure.

Risky decision-making and nonsuicidal self-injury among university students: Examining the role of criticism feedback.

Risky decision-making putatively contributes to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) yet empirical support for this association is inconsistent. Studies have not simulated socioemotional contexts most closely linked to NSSI, which may partially explain mixed findings. Accordingly, we examined the association between NSSI and risky decision-making following the receipt of criticism from a close other, a key interpersonal context. The study included 286 university students (Mage = 21.11) oversampled for a lifetime history of NSSI. Participants completed a modified Iowa Gambling Task, in which they chose to play or pass on "good" and "bad" decks associated with monetary gains and losses. Participants also completed the Criticism Gambling Task, which was identical to the Iowa Gambling Task except critical audio comments preceded each block of trials. Based on results of multilevel growth curve analyses, decreases in risky decision-making were steeper on the Iowa Gambling Task compared to the Criticism Gambling Task, suggesting poorer learning in the context of criticism. Further, how past-month NSSI was related to changes in risky decision-making across blocks differed between the two tasks, b = -0.004, t(3140.00) = 2.48, p = .013. On the Iowa Gambling Task, all participants decreased their risky decision-making, whereas on the Criticism Gambling Task, higher past-month NSSI frequencies were associated with riskier decision-making. Our findings support associations between risky decision-making and NSSI in negative socioemotional contexts, consistent with functional models of NSSI.

Associations of military sexual harassment and assault with nonsuicidal self-injury: Examining gender and sexual orientation as moderators

Military sexual harassment (MSH) and assault (MSA) are prevalent among service members and are linked to negative psychosocial outcomes, including self-directed violence. Veterans identifying as women or as sexual or gender minorities are at heightened risk for both MSH/MSA and self-directed violence, but their relationship remains understudied in these populations. We examined associations of MSH and MSA with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and tested whether relations varied by self-identified gender or sexual orientation in two national samples of U.S. veterans. Sample 1 included post-9/11 veterans who had recently discharged from service (n = 1,494); sample 2 included veterans from any service era (n = 1,187). Veterans self-reported MSH, MSA, gender identity and sexual orientation, and lifetime and past-month histories of NSSI. We estimated logistic regressions to examine the associations of MSH and MSA history with NSSI and evaluated gender (man or woman) and sexual orientation as moderators of these relations. Results suggested significant associations of both MSH and MSA with NSSI but largely failed to support moderation of these associations by either gender or sexual orientation identity. Screening for both MSH and MSA in veterans across gender and sexual orientation identities appears indicated in clinical assessment of NSSI.

Implicit associations with non-suicidal self-injury: Examination in a clinical sample by borderline personality symptomatology.

We examine correlates and predictors for implicit associations with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) with the Self-Injury Implicit Association Test (SI-IAT) in a treatment-seeking sample. We also examine group differences in the SI-IAT among those with low/none, moderate and high/clinically significant borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomatology in a treatment-seeking sample. Participants (N = 111; 58% female; 89% White; Mage = 30.25) completed the SI-IAT and self-report measures at two time points. Higher BPD symptom scores were significantly, positively correlated with implicit identification with NSSI, and predicted NSSI identity when controlling for depression indices, history of NSSI and other covariates. With Time 1 SI-IAT scores entered as a covariate, BPD scores no longer significantly predicted Time 2 SI-IAT scores. Individuals with moderate and high/clinically significant symptom counts of BPD had higher/stronger implicit associations with NSSI identity than those with no/low BPD symptoms. Individuals with symptoms of BPD may implicitly identify with NSSI more than other clinical groups; examination of implicit assessments in BPD in future research is needed to further explore implicit identification with NSSI in this patient group to further understand both cross-sectional and prospective relations.

Comparing hospitalized adult patients with chronic anorexia nervosa with versus without prior hospitalizations

BackgroundAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder, from which recovery is often protracted. The role of prior specialized inpatient treatment on subsequent treatment attempts for adults with chronic AN and predictors of treatment response for severe and enduring AN (SE-AN) are needed to improve outcomes.MethodParticipants (N = 135) with chronic AN (ill ≥7 years) admitted to an integrated inpatient-partial hospitalization eating disorders (ED) unit with prior ED hospitalization(s) (+ PH; n = 100) were compared to those without prior ED hospitalizations (-PH; n = 35) on admission characteristics (BMI, length of illness, outpatient ED treatment history, symptomatology (ED, anxiety, and depressive), history of suicide attempts or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)), treatment motivation and recovery self-efficacy, and discharge outcomes (discharge BMI, rate of weight gain, length of stay, clinical improvement).ResultsGroups were similar with regard to age, years ill, and admission BMI. The + PH group had lower desired weight, lifetime nadir BMI and self-efficacy for normative eating, and higher state and trait anxiety than the -PH group. +PH were also more likely to endorse history of NSSI and suicide attempt. Regarding discharge outcomes, most patients achieved weight restoration at program discharge (mean discharge BMI = 19.8 kg/m2). Groups did not differ on rate of weight gain, likelihood of attending partial hospital, partial hospital length of stay, program discharge BMI, or likelihood of clinical improvement (p’s > 0.05) although inpatient length of stay was longer for the + PH group.ConclusionsParticipants with chronic AN + PH exhibited more severe psychiatric comorbidity and lower self-efficacy for normative eating than AN -PH, however short-term discharge outcomes were similar. Future research should determine whether weight restoration and targeting comorbidities impacts relapse risk or need for rehospitalization among chronic and severe + PH. Despite similar illness durations, those with chronic AN -PH may be able to transition to partial hospital earlier. Conversely there is risk of undertreatment of chronic AN + PH given the recent shift promoting briefer self-directed admissions for adults with SE-AN. Research comparing + PH and -PH adults with chronic AN may facilitate efforts to individualize care and characterize relapse risk following intensive treatment.

A multi-modal assessment of self-knowledge in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: a research domains criteria (RDoC) study.

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, consolidation of self-understanding, and onset of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). This study evaluated the RDoC (Research Domain Criteria) sub-construct of Self-Knowledge in relation to adolescent NSSI using multiple units of analysis. One hundred and sixty-four adolescents assigned female at birth (AFAB), ages 12-16 years with and without a history of NSSI entered a study involving clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including structural, resting-state functional MRI (fMRI), and fMRI during a self-evaluation task. For imaging analyses, we used an a priori defined Self Network (anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal, and posterior cingulate cortices; precuneus). We first examined interrelationships among multi-level Self variables. We then evaluated the individual relationships between NSSI severity and multi-level Self variables (self-report, behavior, multi-modal brain Self Network measures), then conducted model testing and multiple regression to test how Self variables (together) predicted NSSI severity. Cross-correlations revealed key links between self-reported global self-worth and self-evaluation task behavior. Individually, greater NSSI severity correlated with lower global self-worth, more frequent and faster negative self-evaluations, lower anterior Self Network activation during self-evaluation, and lower anterior and posterior Self Network resting-state connectivity. Multiple regression analysis revealed the model including multi-level Self variables explained NSSI better than a covariate-only model; the strongest predictive variables included self-worth, self-evaluation task behavior, and resting-state connectivity. Disruptions in Self-Knowledge across multiple levels of analysis relate to NSSI in adolescents. Findings suggest potential neurobiological treatment targets, potentially enhancing neuroplasticity in Self systems to facilitate greater flexibility (more frequently positive) of self-views in AFAB adolescents.

Gender similarities and differences in non-suicidal self-injury in an adolescent clinical sample

ABSTRACT Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) continues to be an important problem in adolescents, and it was aimed to investigate the relationship between suicide probability, cyberbullying, impulsivity, and aggression with NSSI history in the adolescent clinical population on the basis of gender. 267 adolescents with a history of NSSI and 210 without were included. They filled the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS), Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Screening Scale (COASS), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11-Short Form (BIS-11-SF). Four subscales and total scores of SPS, BPAQ, BIS-11-SF total scores were found to be significantly higher in males with a history of NSSI. BPAQ, BIS-11-SF motor, and attention impulsiveness, BIS-11-SF total scores, four subscales, and total scores of SPS were found to be significantly higher in females with a history of NSSI. Lower BIS-11-SF non-planning impulsivity, higher SPS/suicide ideation and hostility scores, and lower father’s education level were found to be the best predictive factors for ISAS total scores in males. In females, experience cyberbullying, lower age, higher SPS/suicide ideation and total scores were the best predictors. Knowing the factors associated with NSSI and the differences between genders will be effective in both preventing NSSI and shaping treatment modalities.

Attentional Biases and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Urges in Adolescents

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant clinical concern among adolescents. Exposure to NSSI-related content on social media platforms has been suspected to potentially act as a trigger for NSSI. To use free-viewing eye-tracking and dot-probe paradigms to examine attentional bias and psychophysiological responses to NSSI-related pictorial and textual stimuli in adolescents with and without a history of NSSI. From June 2022 to April 2023, adolescent participants in Vienna, Austria with and without a history of NSSI were exposed to NSSI-related stimuli in this nonrandomized controlled trial. Data were analyzed from December 2023 to January 2024. Exposure to NSSI-related stimuli. During both tasks, subjective arousal, NSSI urges, and autonomic nervous system activity were assessed. A total of 50 adolescents in 2 groups, 25 who engaged in NSSI (mean [SD] age 15.86 [1.14] years; 19 female participants [76%]) and 25 who did not (mean [SD] age 16.40 [1.71] years; 19 female participants [76%]) were included. Adolescents with a history of NSSI-but not those without a history of NSSI-showed a clear attentional bias toward NSSI-related images during eye-tracking, as indicated by increased initial fixations (500 ms stimulus presentation mean difference, 28.64%; 95% CI, 18.31%-38.98%; P < .001; 1000 ms stimulus presentation mean difference, 18.50%; 95% CI, 9.05%-27.95%; P < .001) and longer fixation durations (500 ms mean difference, 29.51 ms; 95% CI, 4.3-54.72 ms; P < .001; 1000 ms mean difference, 39.83 ms; 95% CI, 6.90-72.76 ms; P < .001), regardless of stimulus duration. This bias was associated with a heightened urge to engage in NSSI (d = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.69-1.73; P < .001), a trend not seen in adolescents without a history of NSSI. Similarly, in the dot-probe task, only the NSSI group showed an attentional bias toward NSSI images but not toward trauma images, emphasizing the specificity of their attentional bias. Physiological measures revealed no significant differences, suggesting that viewing NSSI images is not associated with increased autonomic arousal. Textual NSSI content did not provoke an attentional bias or heighten NSSI urges in either group. In this nonrandomized controlled trial of 50 adolescents, results highlighted a specific attentional bias toward NSSI-related pictorial stimuli in adolescents with a history of NSSI, particularly a difficulty in disengaging from NSSI images. These findings contribute to understanding maladaptive information processing in NSSI and suggest implications for clinical management and cognitive models addressing NSSI triggers. German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00025905.

A Qualitative Study on Understanding the Process of Nonsuicidal Self-injury

Background:Intentional self-harm presents a significant challenge within the mental health system, yet misconceptions persist regarding its nature, particularly the view that nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) serves as a mere call for attention and represents impulsive behavior. This study aimed to explore the process and experiences of self-harm among young adults in India to address this stigmatization.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants aged 21–24 years, encompassing diverse psychiatric diagnoses and a history of NSSI. These interviews aimed to delve into the nuanced experiences and perspectives surrounding self-harm in this demographic.Results:Thematic analysis of the interviews unveiled six overarching themes: distal risk factors, proximal risk factors, methods and conditions to self-harm, during the act, after the act, and considerations to be taken while planning intervention. These themes shed light on various factors influencing self-harm behaviors and the context in which they occur.Conclusion:The findings underscore the necessity of incorporating individuals’ unique processes of self-harm into intervention planning to effectively support those at risk of self-harm. By understanding the complex interplay of factors involved, mental health professionals can develop targeted and comprehensive interventions to address NSSI effectively.

A Prospective Examination of Sexual Orientation and Suicidal and Nonsuicidal Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Among a Diverse Sample of At-risk Young Adult Women.

Minoritized sexual orientation is an established correlate for suicide ideation (SI) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI); however, prospective associations between sexual orientation and SI and NSSI is limited. The current study builds on existing literature by examining sexual orientation as a prospective distal risk factor for SI and NSSI risk among a diverse sample of young women after adjusting for histories of SI and/or NSSI and empirically supported correlates and risk factors. Participants were 135 young adult women (aged 18-24), who were predominately Black with approximately half of the sample experiencing poverty. Participants completed an interview that assessed SI and NSSI at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. A single item was used to collect participants' self-identified sexual orientation at baseline. Minoritized sexual orientation was strongly associated with NSSI history and future SI and NSSI, adjusting for baseline correlates and predictors of interest. Psychological and physical victimization, race, and poverty were non-significant prospective predictors of SI and NSSI. Race and poverty did not moderate the associations between sexual orientation and follow-up SI and NSSI. These findings suggest young adult women who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning (LGBQ) are more likely than those who identify as heterosexual to experience both SI and NSSI in the following year. Sexual orientation should be part of a culturally-informed comprehensive risk assessment. A culturally-informed intersectionality approach may be necessary to identify culturally-specific risk and resiliency factors for SI and NSSI that can guide effective prevention and intervention strategies for LGBQ individuals.

The familial transmission of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury in different income levels in town.

Prior researches have established that suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) exhibit familial transmission patterns. However, the extent to which these patterns vary across different income levels remains unclear, as well as the specific factors that influence them. This study aimed to explore these questions. We analyzed data from 13,988 parent-child pairs in Chongqing, China, where the children were aged from 7 to 12 years old. Six income levels were considered, and the children's depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using standardized scales (the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, [CES-DC], and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders [SCARED], respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the transmission of suicide and NSSI across different income levels. Familial transmission of suicide was significant difference in all income levels except the highest, while familial transmission of NSSI was significant difference in all income levels except the lowest. Notably, in both low- and high-income levels, suicide and NSSI transmissions primarily occurred among male children, mothers with higher education, and children who spent long time with their mothers. Additionally, the transmissions were mediated partially or entirely by children's depression and anxiety symptoms. Future studies should investigate the separate effects of fathers' and mothers' suicide and NSSI histories on familial transmission patterns. The familial transmissions of suicide and NSSI exhibited distinct patterns across different income levels.