Incidence Of Non-suicidal Self-injury Research Articles

Association between life events, anxiety, depression and non-suicidal self-injury behavior in Chinese psychiatric adolescent inpatients: a cross-sectional study.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major public health concern among adolescents. Further research is needed into contributors to this behavior, in particular among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of life events and emotional stress on NSSI among hospitalized psychiatric adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, 505 Chinese psychiatric adolescent inpatients 10-19 years old completed questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics and NSSI as well as the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidence of NSSI in psychiatric adolescent patients with different sociodemographic. T-test was used to compare the total scores and dimension scores of the ASLEC, STAI-Y, and CES-D between the NSSI group and the non-NSSI group. A binary logistic regression model was built to explore the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics, questionnaire scores and NSSI. Most psychiatric adolescent inpatients (393, 77.8%) reported NSSI behavior. The higher risk for NSSI was observed among female (odds ratio [OR] 2.665, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.575-4.510), younger adolescents (10-14 years; OR 2.021, 95% CI 1.258-3.245), with a suicide history (OR 2.479, 95% CI 1.549-3.967), or with depression symptom (OR 3.217, 95% CI 1.572-6.582) and those with higher scores of ASLEC (OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.010-1.029). Our study in China is one of the first to apply to adolescent inpatients the diagnostic criteria of NSSI in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Our analysis suggests that NSSI prevalence is disturbingly high among adolescents with mental illness in China. A better understanding of contributing factors, especially negative life events and negative emotions, may guide interventions that can reduce its prevalence.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of non-suicidal self-injury; a comparison between Iran and Belgium

Introduction The outbreak of COVID-19 has heightened mental health challenges among adolescents worldwide, while also hindering the development of effective emotion regulation strategies. Nevertheless, there exists a pertinent requirement to further investigate the psychological ramifications of COVID-19 on adolescents, as well as to discern disparities in these impacts across various nations. In order to address this gap in research, this study compares the prevalence of NSSI (characterized by purposefully injuring one's own body tissues without suicidal intention or engaging in behaviors that are not socially approved or sanctioned.), emotion regulation strategies, and psychopathology (internalization and externalization) among Belgian and Iranian adolescents pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Adolescents between the ages of 13-21 from Iran and Belgium participated in a two-wave longitudinal design. In Iran, the sample consisted of 117 adolescents in wave 1 (April 2019) and 142 adolescents in wave 2 (Nov 2020). The Belgian sample consisted of 376 participants in wave 1 and 356 adolescents in wave 2. NSSI was assessed using the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI). Emotion Regulation was examined via the Emotion Regulation Inventory (ERI). The S trengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for Youth (SDQ) was used to assess psychological symptoms. Result Across the whole sample, lifetime NSSI prevalence was 35% in the first wave and 43.8% in the second wave. Longitudinal analysis across waves and counties did not show an increase in the prevalence of NSSI but did find that emotion dysregulation and internalizing symptoms are important risk factors for NSSI across countries. Emotional suppression and emotional dysregulation were the most prevalent emotion regulation strategies in Iran, whereas emotional integration was most prevalent in the Belgian sample. Conclusion Our study highlights cultural differences on the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health. But it also indicates the importance of certain universal risk factors, for example, emotional dysregulation. These findings can inform developers to tailor programs for (early) intervention culturally.

Effect of Family Environment on Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Middle School Students During the COVID-19 Epidemic: The Mediating Role of Depression

To study the current status of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) incidents among middle school students in Chengdu during the COVID-19 epidemic and to explore the mechanism of action of depression on the relationship between family environment and NSSI. Data were obtained from the Chengdu Positive Child Development (CDPD) cohort. In June and July 2020, after primary and secondary schools were reopened after the closure due to the COVID-19 epidemic, on-site questionnaire surveys were conducted with the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI), the Chinese Family Assessment Instrument (C-FAI), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), thereby obtaining the data of 3595 middle school students. Two-sample t-test and χ 2 test were used to compare the incidence of NSSI among middle school students of different grades and genders, and the Model 58 test of the SPSS PROCESS component was used to analyze the mediating effect of gender-mediated depression. 1) The incidence of NSSI among middle school students in Chengdu during the COVID-19 epidemic was 49.67%. The incidence of NSSI among ninth-graders (80.70%) was significantly higher than those of the eighth graders (33.82%) and seventh graders (32.32%), and the incidence of NSSI among female middle school students (54.75%) was significantly higher than that of male students (44.52%). 2) Family environment ( r=0.34, P<0.001) and depression ( r=0.50, P<0.001) were positively correlated with NSSI. 3) Depression partially mediated the effect of family environment on NSSI, with the mediating effect accounting for 64.64% of the total effect. Compared with that of male students, the positive predictive effect between family environment and depression and that between depression and NSSI in female middle school students were more significant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, middle school students in Chengdu had a high incidence of NSSI, which indicates that the family environment should be improved, more attention should be given to gender differences, and early screening and intervention for depression should be strengthened to reduce the incidence of NSSI.

The influence of parenting style and coping behavior on nonsuicidal self-injury behavior in different genders based on path analysis.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors-an important factor that profoundly affects the physical and mental health of young people-are induced by complex and diverse factors, while showing significant differences at the gender level. We examined mediating behaviors among parenting styles, students' coping styles, and endogenous and exogenous influencing variables of adolescents' NSSI behaviors. In this cross-sectional study, Secondary school students in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China (n = 2,689; F/M:1532/1157) were surveyed for basic attributes, parenting styles, coping styles, and NSSI behaviors. After the initial screening of the sample data, several external derivatives were screened based on the single factor analysis method. On this basis, the construction of path analysis models under multivariate multiple elicitations was carried out. The overall prevalence of NSSI was 15.16%, and the incidence of NSSI in boys was lower than that in girls (OR = 0.334, 95% CI [0.235-0.474]). The path analysis model data fit well; the indicators of female and male part are: CFI = 0.913/0.923, GFI = 0.964/0.977, SRMR = 0.055/0.047, RMSEA = 0.097/0.069 with 90% confidence interval (CI) [0.084-0.111]/[0.054-0.084]. For female, when negative coping style and extreme education affect NSSI respectively, the standardized path coefficient values are 0.478 (z = 20.636, P = 0.000 < 0.01) and 0.151 (z = 6.524, P = 0.000 < 0.01) respectively, while for male, the corresponding values become 0.225 (z = 7.057, P < 0.001) and 0.104 (z = 3.262, P < 0.001). In particular, we investigated the mediating effects of gender-specific NSSI influences and found that NSSI behaviors were strongly associated with environmental variables and individual factors, especially family parenting style and adolescent coping style, which influenced NSSI in a gender-specific manner. The results showed that males were the target of both positive and negative parenting styles, whereas females were more likely to choose negative coping styles directed towards emotions in response to external stimuli, and instead showed a more significant predisposition towards NSSI behaviors. This phenomenon seems to be influenced by multilevel factors such as sociocultural, individual value identity, and physiological structure differences. In the path analysis model with the introduction of mediating effects, the influence of gender differences on NSSI behavior becomes more pronounced under the interaction of multiple factors: women seem to be more significantly influenced by the external derivatives in the internal derivatives than male subjects, and are more likely to trigger NSSI behavior under the interaction of multiple factors. These findings effectively reveal the significant role of different end-influencing factors in NSSI behaviors at the level of gender differences, which can provide effective theoretical support to prevent and treat NSSI behaviors in adolescents.

A meta-analysis of the relationship between bullying and non-suicidal self-injury among children and adolescents

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has attracted increasing attention due to its high detection rate, high risk and high repeatability. There is a need for the early identification of preventable occurrence factors, which is necessary to facilitate screening and intervention, especially to facilitate the early detection of high-risk individuals. This research aims to investigate the relationship between bullying behaviour and non-suicidal self-injury among children and adolescents by means of meta-analysis. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, CKNI and WAN FANG databases were searched from inception to 14 December 2021 for studies that explored the relationship between bullying behaviour and NSSI among children and adolescents. A total of 29 articles met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis, and 54 independent effect sizes were obtained, including 53,501 subjects. Victims [OR 2.46 (95% CI 2.14–2.83); p < 0.001], bullies [OR 2.12 (95% CI 1.37–3.27); p < 0.001], and bully-victims [OR: 2.98 (95% CI 1.85–4.82); p < 0.001] were more likely to have NSSI than uninvolved children or adolescents. In addition, analyses showed the absence of publication bias. In the victim group, the older the age was, the lower the risk of NSSI (z = − 3.74, p = 0.00). Gender does not play a moderating effect on the association between bullying behaviour and non-suicidal self-injury. The relationship between involvement in bullying and NSSI was demonstrated. By taking measures to prevent bullying, the incidence of NSSI in children and adolescents can be potentially reduced.

The Impact of Self-Consistency Congruence on Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in College Students: The Mediating Role of Negative Emotion and the Moderating Role of Gender.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) can be defined as the deliberate destruction of body tissues to generate harm. College students have a higher incidence of NSSI. With the deepening of research on college students’ NSSI, the connection between their self-consistency congruence and NSSI has drawn the attention of many scholars. The current study examined the association between self-concordance and NSSI, the mediating function of negative emotions, and the moderating role of gender. We surveyed 1020 college students from three universities in Jiangxi Province using a self-concordant scale, a NSSI questionnaire, and a negative emotion questionnaire. The results showed that self-concordance was negatively correlated with NSSI. There is an obvious negative connection between self-consistency congruence and negative emotions. There was a significant positive correlation between negative emotions and the NSSI scores. Negative emotions could mediate the association between self-consistency congruence and NSSI. Compared to males, females’ self-concordant effects on negative emotions are easier to moderate.

A Person-Centered Approach to Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Predictors and Correlates in a Community Sample

Growing incidence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and a lack of intensive examination of NSSI variability among adolescents justify identification of latent classes based on the endorsement of different NSSI behaviors. Latent class analysis was used to detect the heterogeneity of past month NSSI among 322 high school students (73.2% female). Two interpretable latent classes emerged. The Severe/Multimethod NSSI class (39%) engaged in almost all forms of NSSI with high intensity and motivated mainly for intrapersonal reasons. The results imply that compared to Mild/Moderate NSSI group (61%), the Severe class is at greater risk for poor mental health, which can exacerbate further NSSI acts. In school settings, identifying adolescents who are vulnerable for more severe NSSI can help to interrupt NSSI trajectories to emerging adulthood.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in the Decompensation of Personality Disorder in Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020–2021

The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and psychopathological characteristics of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in personality disorder (PD) in the comparative age-related aspect during the coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic. Patients and methods: a total of 230 patients (177 males and 53 females) aged 16–25, diagnosed with PD and NSSI behavior manifestations, were studied retrospectively in mental hospital and outpatintly by using clinical-psychopathological method. All patients were divided into two equal groups of 115 people each. Group I was examined in 2017–2019, Group II — in 2020–2021 during the coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic. Results: common features established in both groups were as follows: affective instability, alexithymia, conflict relations with significant others, and current traumatic experience. For a comparative assessment of NSSI in patients of both groups, we used the NSSI typology in adolescent PD, previously developed by the authors. Impulsive, demonstrative, addictive, depersonalizing and self-destructive types of NSSI were recognized as significant for the diagnostic assessment. In the second group of patients, that is, during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, a change in the selected variants of NSSI was found, that is, in borderline and narcissistic PD the impulsive type was replaced by a demonstrative type, and in schizoid and anxious PD it turned into an addictive one. For a comparative assessment of NSSI in patients of both groups, we used the NSSI typology in PD in adolescence, previously developed by the authors. When assessing suicidality in group II, it was revealed that in most types of PD, with a decrease in the number of suicidal attempts, there was a noticeable increase in the incidence of NSSI with demonstrative suicidality, which correlated with the trajectories of the identified variants of NSSI. Conclusions: the study underlined the role of personality pathology in in adolescence in the development of psychopathological disorders with NSSI and their high association with suicidal activity. The modification of various NSSI variants in the context of a coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic may be due to the unique characteristics of the psychotraumatic factor. With the same strength of impact, the multidirectional influence on various personality types and comorbid psychopathological disorders in adolescence should be taken into account, when creating new models of therapeutic and socio-rehabilitation interventions for the adolescent contingent of patients.

Relationship between SIRT1 gene and adolescent depressive disorder with nonsuicidal self-injury behavior: Based on gene methylation and mRNA expression.

Objective:The incidence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior in adolescents is increasing year by year. Patients with a history of both depression and NSSI behavior tend to be at greater risk for suicide. At present, the mechanism of adolescent depressive disorder with NSSI behavior is not clear and still in research and exploration. The expression of the Silent Information Regulator 2 Related Enzyme 1 (SIRT1) gene is closely related to the level of serotonin in molecular mechanisms, and may be closely related to the occurrence and development of depressive disorder. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the SIRT1 gene and NSSI behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder.Methods:A total of 15 adolescent depressed patients with NSSI behavior and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Bisulfite Sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to test the methylation level of SIRT1 gene promoter region of the participants. The real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was conducted to measure the mRNA expression level of SIRT1 gene.Results:Our study found that the methylation level of SIRT1 gene promoter region at cytosine-guanine dinucleotide 5 (CpG5) site in depression group was higher than that of control group. Compared with that of control group, the plasma concentration of Sirt1 protein significantly decreased in depression group.Conclusion:Our study investigated the methylation level and the mRNA expression of SIRT1 gene in adolescent depressive patients with NSSI behavior. The study points towards finding an in vivo molecular marker for those adolescent patients.

Latent profiles of emotion regulation strategies associated with alexithymia, nonsuicidal self-injury and resilience among nursing students.

The present study sought to better understand the complex nature of emotion regulation in nursing students by exploring patterns of emotion regulation strategies (ERSs), and to examine the relationships between these unique profiles with alexithymia, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and resilience. A total of 1960 nursing students (Mage =19.56, SD=1.13 years) were recruited. Using latent profile analysis, nursing students were classified into four profiles based on their ERS use: high reaction profile (HRP; 11.53%), medium reaction profile (MRP; 55.46%), adaptive reaction profile (ARP; 22.86%) and low reaction profile (LRP; 10.15%). This study found that relative to HRP and MRP, ARP and LRP showed a lower incidence of NSSI and alexithymia; HRP and ARP showed a higher level of resilience than MRP and LRP. Furthermore, LRP had the lowest level of resilience. This study highlights the importance of identifying the different ERS profiles among nursing students. Targeted programs are needed to enhance adaptive strategies and reduce maladaptive strategies to improve nursing students' psychological and behavioural performance.

Epigenetic Alterations of the Promoter Region of the POMC Gene in Adolescent Depressive Disorder Patients with Nonsuicidal Self-injury Behaviors.

PurposeThe incidence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior among adolescents increases year by year. Patients with a history of both depression and NSSI behaviors tend to have greater risk of suicide. At present, the mechanism of adolescent depressive disorder patients with NSSI behaviors is not clear, epigenetic mechanism may be involved. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene may be associated with depressive disorder. The purpose of this study was to investigate DNA methylation of POMC gene promoter region of adolescent depressive disorder patients with NSSI behaviors.MethodsBisulfite Sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to test the methylation level of POMC promoter of 15 adolescent depressive disorder patients with NSSI behaviors and 15 healthy controls (HC). Self-made questionnaires were used to collect clinical data of the case group and control group. Hamilton depression scale-24 (HAMD-24), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were used to evaluate the characteristics and severity of depressive, anxiety and psychotic symptoms. Adolescent self-injury questionnaire was used to assess NSSI behaviors and its severity.ResultsBSP analysis found that the POMC methylation level of cytosine-guanine dinucleotide 1 (CpG1) site was higher in the case group than that of HC (P<0.05). The significance in POMC methylation at CpG1 between case group and HC was gender-independent, and CpG1 methylation level was higher in both male (P<0.05) and female (P<0.05) patients than that in HC. The CpG1 methylation level had a little correlation trends with family history of psychosis (P=0.05). We also found that POMC methylation level at CpG17 in female patients was significantly higher than that of the female HC (P<0.05).ConclusionThere was abnormal methylation in the POMC promoter region of adolescent depressive disorder patients with NSSI behaviors, the methylation of CpG1 may act as epigenetic markers for those adolescents.

Epidemiology and Determinants of Self-Injury Among High School Students in Iran: a Longitudinal Study.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents is a major health concern globally. The epidemiology and determinant of NSSI have not been studied extensively in Iran. Thus, this longitudinal study sought to investigate the prevalence, incidence and contributing factors of NSSI among adolescents in Iran. This study was conducted at high school students aged 14-18years old in the metropolitan city of Tabriz, located in north western Iran. Data were collected from 6229 10th-grade students at two time-points, with 12months interval in October and November 2017 and 2018. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic, NSSI and cigarette and hookah smoking from the study participants. The results showed that lifetime prevalence of NSSI among students was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.7 to 6.9) at the first assessment. Scratching and hair pulling were the most and least common methods of self-injury, respectively. Over the one year, 206 students (3.6% CI 95%: 3.1-4.1) reported the onset of NSSI. Tobacco smoking and previous year average grade were related to the incidence of NSSI. Although gender was significantly associated with the prevalence of NSSI, the relationship between gender and incidence of NSSI was not significant. Although the prevalence of NSSI was low among adolescents, the incidence rate was considerable. Further studies are required to understand the risk factors of NSSI in Iran.

Research on the Relationships between Psychological Problems and School Bullying and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Rural Primary and Middle School Students in Developing Areas of China.

(1) Purpose: To analyze the role of psychological problems in connection with school bullying and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among rural primary and middle school students in developing areas of China. (2) Methods: A multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling method was used to select 2284 rural primary and middle school students in Jiangxi Province for study. Questionnaires regarding the health risk behaviors of children in developing areas were left behind at primary and middle schools, and they were later collected and analyzed by using the mental health diagnostic monitoring scale for Chinese primary and middle school students. Pearson correlation, logistic regression, and bootstrap tests were conducted to analyze the association between psychological problems, school bullying, and NSSI. (3) Results: The incidence of NSSI in rural primary and middle school students in Jiangxi Province was 14.84%. Compared with other children with behavioral problems, those who had experienced school bullying and had mild/severe psychological problems were more likely to have engaged in NSSI behaviors (p < 0.001). Psychological problems have a mediating effect between school bullying and NSSI, which accounted for 12.96% of the total effect. (4) Conclusion: Psychological problems are likely an effect modifier in the connection between school bullying and NSSI behaviors. Therefore, effectively targeting psychological problems in rural primary and middle school students in Jiangxi Province may help prevent and control NSSI behaviors in students who have experienced school bullying.

Predicting the incidence of non-suicidal self-injury in college students

BackgroundDespite increased awareness that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) poses a significant public health concern on college campuses worldwide, few studies have prospectively investigated the incidence of NSSI in college and considered targeting college entrants at high risk for onset of NSSI. MethodsUsing data from the Leuven College Surveys (n = 4,565; 56.8%female, Mage = 18.3, SD = 1.1), students provided data on NSSI, sociodemographics, traumatic experiences, stressful events, perceived social support, and mental disorders. A total of 2,163 baseline responders provided data at a two-year annual follow-up assessment (63.2% conditional response rate). ResultsOne-year incidence of first onset NSSI was 10.3% in year 1 and 6.0% in year 2, with a total of 8.6% reporting sporadic NSSI (1–4 times per year) and 7.0% reporting repetitive NSSI (≥ 5 times per year) during the first two years of college. Many hypothesized proximal and distal risk factors were associated with the subsequent onset of NSSI (ORs = 1.5–18.2). Dating violence prior to age 17 and severe role impairment in daily life were the strongest predictors. Multivariate prediction suggests that an intervention focused on the 10% at highest risk would reach 23.9% of students who report sporadic, and 36.1% of students who report repetitive NSSI during college (cross-validated AUCs = .70–.75). DiscussionThe college period carries high risk for the onset of NSSI. Individualized web-based screening may be a promising approach for detecting young adults at high risk for self-injury and offering timely intervention.

Association between coping styles and non-suicidal self-injury among undergraduate students in Wuhan

Objective: This study aimed to explore the association of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and the coping styles in college undergraduate students. Methods: Cluster sampling techniques was used to recruit freshmen students from two universities in Wuhan. Brief COPE scale was used to measure the coping skills at the baseline study. Non-suicidal self-injury was studied one year later through a follow-up program. Results: The incidence of NSSI among college students was 2.3%. Students who reported NSSI had higher scores on Self-Blame dimension than those who did not. Results from the multivariate analysis showed that factors as: self-blame coping (OR=1.30, 95%CI:1.06-1.59), religion (OR=3.55, 95%CI: 1.50-8.38) and maternal education level (OR=2.46, 95%CI:1.25-4.84) were related to NSSI. Conclusion: Coping styles were found to be related to non-suicidal self-injury behavior in undergraduate students. Passive coping such as self-blaming, seemed to have increased the risk of NSSI.

Methods and Functions of non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Adolescents Seeking Emergency Psychiatric Services

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has been associated with an array of difficulties such as childhood abuse, interpersonal conflict, and mental health concerns ranging from emotional distress to suicidal thoughts and urges. To improve our understanding of NSSI and its relation to suicide risk, this study assessed the demographic (age, sex) and clinical (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt history) characteristics associated with NSSI methods (“how”) and functions (“why”). The study sample (N = 193) included youth and young adults, ages 13 to 25, who were seeking emergency psychiatric services and endorsed a lifetime history of NSSI. Study participants completed questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, history of suicide attempt, and characteristics of NSSI engagement. Data were analyzed using Pearson, Spearman, and point-biserial correlation, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square, t-test, and regression analyses (Poisson, binary-logistic, and ordinal). Female sex, the most prominent correlate in this study, was associated with number of lifetime NSSI incidents, quantity of NSSI methods used, and frequency of NSSI function engagement. Lifetime history of suicide attempt and suicidal ideation were positively associated with numbers of NSSI methods and functions, respectively. Regression analysis indicated that number of NSSI methods was associated with suicide attempt history, whereas total number of NSSI incidents was not. A greater understanding of the demographic and clinical factors associated with NSSI may ultimately advance the assessment and treatment of this behavior, especially in relation to suicide risk.

Prevalence and Incidence of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Federally Sentenced Women in Canada

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a complex behavior that is not uncommon in the general population, yet little is known about the prevalence of this behavior among incarcerated women. Two studies were conducted to determine the prevalence and incidence of NSSI in federally sentenced Canadian women. In Study 1, a mixed-methods design that included a qualitative interview and a written questionnaire with a sample of 150 incarcerated women was used. In Study 2, archival data were analyzed for a random sample of 400 incarcerated women. Results indicated lifetime prevalence rates of NSSI ranging from 24% to 38%. Incidence of self-injury in a federal institution over a 1-year period was found to be 3.6 per 27.4 person-years (i.e., number of years incarcerated). Both studies indicated that for the majority of women in both samples, NSSI was first initiated in the community, prior to incarceration in a federal correctional institution.

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury as a Gateway to Suicide in Young Adults

To investigate the extent to which nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) contributes to later suicide thoughts and behaviors (STB) independent of shared risk factors. One thousand four hundred and sixty-six students at five U.S. colleges participated in a longitudinal study of the relationship between NSSI and suicide. NSSI, suicide history, and common risk/protective factors were assessed annually for three years. Analyses tested the hypotheses that the practice of NSSI prior to STB and suicide behavior (excluding ideation) reduced inhibition to later STB independent of shared risk factors. Analyses also examined factors that predicted subsequent STB among individuals with NSSI history. History of NSSI did significantly predict concurrent or later STB (AOR 2.8, 95%, CI 1.9-4.1) independent of covariates common to both. Among those with prior or concurrent NSSI, risk of STB is predicted by > 20 lifetime NSSI incidents (AOR 3.8, 95% CI, 1.4-10.3) and history of mental health treatment (AOR 2.2, 95% CI, 1.9-4.6). Risk of moving from NSSI to STB is decreased by presence of meaning in life (AOR .6, 95% CI, .5-.7) and reporting parents as confidants (AOR, .3, 95% CI, .1-.9). NSSI prior to suicide behavior serves as a "gateway" behavior for suicide and may reduce inhibition through habituation to self-injury. Treatments focusing on enhancing perceived meaning in life and building positive relationships with others, particularly parents, may be particularly effective in reducing suicide risk among youth with a history of NSSI.

Nonsuicidal self-injury, potentially addictive behaviors, and the Five Factor Model in undergraduates

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is the deliberate inflicting of physical injury to one’s own body that is not due to accident or conscious attempt at suicide. This study examined NSSI, other excessive or potentially addictive behaviors, and borderline personality features. Undergraduates ( N = 151) completed the Deliberate Self Harm Inventory ( Gratz, 2001), the NEO PI-R ( Costa & McCrae, 1992), and the Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire (SPQ; Christo et al., 2003). The SPQ measures impulsive or compulsively motivated behavior, such as symptoms of substance use disorder, disordered eating, and involvement in dysfunctional intimate relationships. The sample was divided according to the number and type of NSSI incidents reported, and 41 (27%) of the students had self-injured, including 20 (13%) who had self-injured 10 or more times or who had practiced 3 or more methods of NSSI. These severe self-injurers had significantly elevated rates of alcohol and drug abuse, disordered eating, sexual compulsivity, and dysfunctional interpersonal relationships. They also scored higher on facets of Neuroticism, with lower scores on facets of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Personality facet profiles suggested that borderline personality features may be elevated among those who practice frequent and varied NSSI, and these results suggest involvement of maladaptive strategies for emotional self-regulation.

Characteristics and Co-occurrence of Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Suicidal Behaviours in Pediatric Emergency Crisis Services

During the potentially tumultuous adolescent period, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts are relatively common, particularly amongst youth who present to mental health services. These phenomena frequently co-occur but their relationship is unclear. This study evaluated clinical data from 468 youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years (63.5% female) to determine the incidence of NSSI 24 h prior to presentation at emergency crisis services, evaluated the overlap between NSSI and suicide attempt, and examined the characteristics of different types of self-harm. Half of the adolescents presenting to emergency crisis services had self-harmed within the previous 24 h, with most of these (91%) classified as NSSI only. The percentage of youth with a suicide attempt was 5% and the co-occurrence of these two behaviours was 4%. Group differences in depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and impulsivity were identified, with the co-occurring NSSI and suicide attempt group presenting with the highest level of psychopathology. This study underscores the necessity of assessing suicidal ideation and NSSI in all youth presenting to mental health services.