Functions Of Nonsuicidal Self-injury Research Articles

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.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in a Sample of Egyptian University Students in Ain Shams University

Abstract Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a global health concern, with a prevalence ranging from 1.5% to 54.8%. Typically starting during adolescence, it was proposed that there is a correlation between NSSI and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as parental antagonism, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. Many turn to NSSI as a strategy to cope with emotional regulation difficulties, using it as a means to navigate and manage their emotions effectively. Aim of the Work Examining the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in young adult students at Ain Shams University, exploring the methods and functions of NSSI, assessing the correlation with emotional regulation difficulties and adverse childhood experiences. Patients and Methods This study is an observational cross-sectional study, A convenient sample of 400 Undergraduate students at Ain Shams university was obtained equally distributed between the Faculties of Medicine and Education. Results Among Ain Shams University students, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) prevalence was 18% engaging in NSSI last year, and 4.3% reporting repetitive instances. Common forms included pounding oneself (16.2%), cutting (15.4%), and biting (15.4%). NSSI functions revealed relief from negative feelings (14.2%) and self-punishment (11.7%) as major goals. Academic challenges were a top motivating factor, alongside guilt, problem confrontation difficulties, and unstable relationships. Those with multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were more likely to engage in NSSI, showing a positive correlation with NSSI frequency. Emotional regulation difficulties, were also linked to NSSI, indicating a predictive relationship between emotional regulation challenges and self-injurious behavior in young adults. Conclusion Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among young adults. The study emphasizes the considerable influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and challenges in emotional regulation on NSSI in this demographic. In conclusion, these results underscore the crucial role of addressing early life experiences and emotional regulation to comprehend and prevent NSSI among young adults.

Similarities and differences in the functions of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) across gender non-conforming and cisgender young adults

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) can be motivated by a broad range of functions and many individuals report multiple reasons for self-injuring. Most NSSI research has involved predominantly female samples and few studies have examined gender similarities and differences in function endorsement. MethodsWe characterise the prevalence and versatility of NSSI functions within a gender-diverse online sample of cisgender women (cis-women; n = 280), cisgender men (cis-men; n = 176), and transgender, non-binary, and other gender non-conforming young adults (TGNC; n = 80) age 18–30 (M = 23.73, SD = 3.55). The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI-F) assessed 24 intrapersonal and social functions across nine domains: affect regulation, self-punishment, anti-dissociation, anti-suicide, sensation seeking, sexuality, interpersonal influence, and body image. ResultsTGNC participants and cis-women were significantly more likely to report intrapersonally motivated NSSI and greater function versatility than cis-men. Low mood, emotional distress, suicidality, and trauma symptomology appeared to contribute to gender differences in function endorsement. Gender similarities also emerged; across groups, intrapersonal functions were substantially more common than social functions, and the most endorsed domains were affect regulation and self-punishment. No domains were gender specific. LimitationsThe OSI-F was developed from majority female samples and may not adequately capture the experiences of other gender groups. ConclusionsInterventions which reduce distress and strengthen emotion regulation are likely to benefit individuals who self-injure regardless of gender. However, most individuals report multiple NSSI functions and person-centred interventions which address this complexity are needed. Future research should develop gender-informed treatment models which consider the unique experiences of TGNC individuals and cis-men who self-injure.

The role of testosterone and cortisol levels in nonsuicidal selfinjury in adolescents.

Nonsuicidal selfinjury (NSSI) is an important problem in adolescence, which is thought to serve several reinforcement functions (positive vs. negative, automatic vs. social). While the psychological mechanisms involved in NSSI are relatively well known, there is an important gap in the knowledge regarding the underlying biological mechanisms. This study examined the role of testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) in the frequency and reinforcement functions of NSSI. A total of 423 adolescents (age range = 13-17; 54.4% girls) from Basque Country (Spain) provided saliva samples to determine T and C levels and completed measures of NSSI 6 months later in 2017-2018. The results showed that T but not C was significantly associated with higher NSSI frequency and the four types of NSSI functions. In addition, C moderated the predictive association between T and NSSI for automatic negative reinforcement, such that this association was significant only when C was high. Participant sex did not moderate any association between hormones and NSSI. These preliminary results suggest that testosterone levels can affect NSSI behaviors in adolescence, thus helping to explain the increase in NSSI during this stage. Moreover, in situations in which NSSI serves to alleviate negative internal states, high levels of cortisol can be involved.

Unwanted Pursuit Behavior Victimization as a Predictor of Engagement in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury.

While prior research has studied associations between child abuse and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), there is limited research assessing unwanted pursuit behavior (UPB) victimization and NSSI. In addition, few studies have assessed the self-reported functions of NSSI among survivors of violence. Among a sample of 18-25-year-old young adults (N = 333), both UPB victimization and child abuse were significantly associated with NSSI frequency. In regression models, UPB victimization was associated with increased use of affect regulation, antidissociation/feeling-generation, self-punishment, and antisuicide functions, while child abuse was associated only with antidissociation/feeling-generation and self-punishment. Affect regulation mediated the association between UPB victimization and NSSI frequency, but not the association between child victimization and NSSI frequency. Implications for research and clinical practice will be discussed.

Self-compassion and psychological mindedness in depressed Turkish adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury

ABSTRACT Objective Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant mental health issue among depressed adolescents. This study aimed to investigate roles of psychological mindedness (PM) and self-compassion among depressed Turkish adolescents with NSSI. The mediating roles of PM and self-compassion between depression severity and NSSI were evaluated. Method 119 depressed adolescents evaluated at a child psychiatry outpatient clinic in Turkey were categorised based on NSSI experience. Self-compassion and psychological mindedness scales (covering psychological interest, insight, help-seeking, and capacity for change subscales) were measured. Results PM and self-compassion scores were lower in depressed adolescents with NSSI than adolescents without NSSI. Psychological interest (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.886, Confidence Interval (CI): 0.788–0.996), capacity for change (OR: 0.902, CI: 0.815–0.998), and self-compassion (OR: 0.937, CI: 0.879–0.999) emerged as protective factors against NSSI. Also, significant indirect effects of PM and self-compassion were observed between depression severity and NSSI. Seeking psychological help related to both intrapersonal and interpersonal functions, whereas psychological interest specifically related to interpersonal functions. Conclusions PM and self-compassion appear as protective factors, with certain PM components linked to intrapersonal and interpersonal functions of NSSI. Thus, integrating interventions to boost PM and self-compassion into depression treatment strategies could be crucial.

Functions of nonsuicidal self-injury and repeated nonsuicidal self-injury among adolescents: A moderating role of addictive features

ObjectiveThe high prevalence and addictive features of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents have been documented, but the role of addictive features in the process from NSSI functions to behaviour remains unclear. The major aim of this study was to investigate the effect of addictive features on NSSI functions and the severity of repeated NSSI. MethodsA total of 10,781 students from primary and middle schools in Chengdu and Karamay were invited to participate in the online cross-sectional survey, and 10,501 completed the survey. Two self-report questionnaires, the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) and the Adolescent Self-Harm Scale (ASHS), were used to collect data from all participants. ResultsAmong the students, 23.45% and 6.64% reported having engaged in NSSI at least once or at least five times in the past year. Being a girl, being an only child, and being in a single-parent family were significantly associated with more severe NSSI. Addictive features have high value for predicting repeated NSSI. In addition to their significant independent/direct additive effects, addictive features mediated and moderated the relationship between NSSI functions and increased severity of NSSI in adolescents. Discussion and conclusionsThe findings suggest that addictive features play a critical role in the development of repeated NSSI in adolescents, which indicates that addiction models may partially explain the mechanism underlying increased severity of NSSI. This may enhance understanding of the reasons for repeated NSSI and inform interventions for repeated NSSI among adolescents.

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicidal Beliefs in Adolescent Inpatient.

Background and Objectives: Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), by definition, excludes suicidal intent, numerous studies show associations between NSSI and suicidal phenomena in clinical and outpatient adolescent samples. Given the growing interest in the relationship between NSSI and suicidal phenomena, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between NSSI and suicidal beliefs in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 50 adolescent inpatients at a specialized facility, with a mean age of 15.44 ± 1.39, who fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for NSSI. For study purposes, we use the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) and Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale (B-SCS). Statistical data processing was performed in the R software 4.3.0 (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). Results: Of all NSSI functions, the Internal ER function score was the highest (18.72 ± 7.08), followed by External ER (8.10 ± 3.11), Social Influence (5.88 ± 5.37), and Sensation Seeking (3.44 ± 2.98). The mean Craving (C) score was 14.06 ± 7.51. The mean value of the B-SCS score was 19.54 ± 5.24. It was found that the B-SCS score is significantly related to Internal ER (r = 0.441, p < 0.001) and Craving (r = 0.297, p = 0.036). The multivariable model shows that internal ER function and participants' age are significantly related to the B-SCS score. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of the study, it is emphasized that cognitions occurring across the fluid suicidal belief system alone do not fully capture the complexity of suicide, but assessing the suicidal belief system in NSSI inpatient adolescents could nevertheless provide helpful information for identifying individuals who may have an elevated vulnerability to experiencing suicidal ideas and behaviors over time.

Nonsuicidal self-injury in sexual minorities in Korea: the mediating role of intrapersonal functions and depression

A growing body of literature indicates that individuals belonging to sexual minority groups are at an increased risk of severe nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors. This study aimed to examine the potential factors mediating sexual minority status and more severe NSSI behaviors. A total of 296 self-identified sexual minorities and 206 heterosexuals who reported engaging in at least five-lifetime NSSI episodes were recruited online. The participants completed an online survey that included demographics, measures of depressive symptoms, and the frequency and functions of NSSI behaviors. Serial mediation analyses indicated that the association between sexual minority status and more frequent NSSI behaviors was mediated by depressive symptoms and intrapersonal functions of NSSI. Further analyses revealed that NSSI functions may vary by minority status, with individuals reporting a sexual minority status showing more frequent endorsements of intrapersonal functions. This study’s findings contribute to the literature by elucidating the complex role of clinical factors that mediate the relationship between sexual minority status and increased risk of engaging in more frequent NSSI behaviors. Our findings underscore the importance of developing a comprehensive perspective on NSSI behaviors, including the characteristics of NSSI functions and current clinical symptoms, as well as disadvantaged backgrounds, such as minority status.

Factors associated with informal and formal help-seeking among Asian adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury.

Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among adolescents and is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, many adolescents with NSSI do not seek help. However, there is a lack of research on the factors that may increase the likelihood of help-seeking, especially within Asia. To address this gap, the present study examined whether certain factors were associated with informal and formal help-seeking - specifically gender, severity of NSSI, functions of NSSI and authoritative parenting. 121 adolescents (Mage = 16.2years, 71.1% female) were recruited from specialist outpatient clinics and inpatient psychiatric wards from a public hospital in Singapore. One caregiver per adolescent was also recruited. Data from self-report questionnaires were analysed using logistics regression analyses. The results suggest that the severity of NSSI increases the likelihood of informal help-seeking, while adolescents who have parents with more authoritative parenting style are less likely to seek informal help. Gender and functions of NSSI were not found to be associated with help-seeking. The findings from this study can guide professionals in their efforts to encourage help-seeking within Asian populations, as well as inform prevention and treatment programs for Asian adolescents with NSSI.

Negative self-perceptions and severity of NSSI: Testing the benefits and barriers model.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is theorized to be caused by negative associations with the self, including low self-esteem, but the mechanisms explaining why low self-esteem is related to more severe NSSI are unclear. The current study aimed to address this limitation by evaluating a mediation model, proposing that low self-esteem would relate to more severe NSSI through increasing self-punishment motivations. Data came from 468 undergraduate students with a history of NSSI who completed an online survey measuring NSSI characteristics and functions, self-esteem, and self-punishment motivations for NSSI. Mediation was tested using a structural equation model using bootstrapped 95% percentile-corrected confidence intervals in which NSSI severity was modeled as a latent variable composed of NSSI frequency, recency, and versatility of methods. The total model was significant and the indirect effect of self-esteem on NSSI severity through self-punishment motives was significant. Self-esteem also retained significant direct effects on NSSI severity, indicating partial mediation. These results provide support for the benefits and barriers model of NSSI, suggesting that negative self-views increase risk for more severe NSSI through self-punishment motivations. Clinical interventions that emphasize self-compassion and focus on modifying self-punishment motivations may help reduce NSSI behavior.

Methods and functions of non-suicidal self-injury in an adolescent and young adult clinical sample

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an emerging critical medical condition among adolescents and young adults worldwide. They use different methods for expressing their emotional needs. The aim of this study was to identify the methods of NSSI used by adolescents and young adults who presented with different psychiatric disorders, and their utilized functions.Subjects/materials and methodsA case–control study was done on 100 late adolescent and young adult patients who attended Suez Canal University with psychiatric disorders. Sociodemographic data was obtained then they were assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Brief Non-suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Tool.ResultsAmong the case group, 54% used scratching for self-harm while 36% used cutting. The most common body areas were hands (44%) and arms (42%). Eighty percent of the case group endorsed non-suicidal self-harm for dealing with anger, while 78% to cope with uncomfortable feelings and 72% to relieve stress with no statistically significant difference between males or females, nor among psychiatric comorbidities.ConclusionThe most common method of NSSI was scratching and it was followed by cutting and banging. The most common body areas were hands and arms. Patients endorsed NSSI for various motives and several functions. However, Items on the automatic negative reinforcement scales were the most common functions, especially when dealing with anger.

Characteristics and Functions of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury That Inform Suicide Risk

Objective Although non-suicidal self-injury (i.e., NSSI) has been suggested as a robust risk factor of suicide, NSSI related information that is most related to suicide risk remains unclear. Commonly studied NSSI characteristics are its frequency and the number of methods endorsed. However, it may not be merely how frequent or how many different methods that matters, but “why,” which alludes to the importance of NSSI functions (or why individuals engage in NSSI). Thus, this study examined how the interactions between NSSI characteristics and functions are associated with suicide risk. Methods Undergraduate students (n = 820) with a lifetime history of NSSI, filled out self-report measures on NSSI and suicide risk. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the moderation effects between four 2-way interactions (i.e., method X intrapersonal; method X interpersonal; frequency X intrapersonal; frequency X interpersonal) on suicide risk. Results Main effects of all four independent variables were statistically significant. In terms of interactions, the intrapersonal function moderated both the effects of NSSI frequency and methods on suicide risk, whereas the interpersonal function moderated the effects of NSSI frequency on suicide risk. Conclusion Our results highlight that some NSSI related information than others are more indicative of suicide risk. In particular, the combination of NSSI functions, along with its frequency and number of methods, holds promise when assessing for current and lifetime suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Hurting myself to cope: Using network analysis to understand the association between perceived stigma and non-suicidal self-injury functions among men who have sex with men in China

Prior studies have demonstrated that perceived stigma is robustly associated with risky and life-threatening behaviors, including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, studies regarding the relationship between perceived stigma and NSSI are limited. The present study aimed to investigate the network structure of perceived stigma and NSSI functions, along with bridge nodes, to elucidate how they co-exist. A sample of 2610 Chinese MSM (mean age = 23.99, age range: 18–68 years) was recruited from an online survey platform. All participants completed a web-based survey with measures of perceived stigma and NSSI functions. Results indicated that ‘negative attitudes towards homosexuality’ and ‘disappointment in gay son’ were identified as the most central nodes in the perceived stigma network, whereas ‘seeking attention’ and ‘influencing others to change’ ranked highest on centrality in the NSSI network. Two bridge connections were exhibited within the combined perceived stigma and NSSI network model: ‘unwelcoming in public’ and ‘avoiding unpleasant tasks’ from perceived stigma and NSSI communities, respectively. This is among the first studies investigating the co-occurrence between perceived stigma and NSSI from the network approach. Our findings provide an empirically-based perspective on the importance of family- and community-based interventions, with potential clinical implications for reducing NSSI among sexual and gender minority groups.

The Association between Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Perfectionism in Adolescence: The Role of Mental Disorders.

Previous evidence has drawn attention to the fact that maladaptive perfectionism is a risk factor for engagement in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Until now, few studies have examined this topic, especially among community adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perfectionism dimensions and NSSI functions to examine the potential mediating effect of mental disorders. Altogether, 146 Hungarian community adolescents (ages 13-18 years) were involved. All participants completed the Hungarian adaptation of the Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury (ISAS), the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Kid. To analyse the interrelationships among NSSI, perfectionism, and mental disorders, we conducted regression and network analysis. Of the 146 adolescents, 90 (61.64%, girls: 71.11%) engaged in NSSI. The Concern over Mistakes and Doubts about Action scales of the FMPS significantly and positively predicted both NSSI intrapersonal and interpersonal motivation, with comparable effect sizes, and this association was fully mediated by anxiety disorders. There was a significant direct negative relationship between the FMPS Organisation dimension and both main NSSI functions. This study draws attention to an increasing trend and the extremely high NSSI prevalence rate among community adolescents. Adolescents with perfectionistic concerns are at heightened risk for anxiety disorders, which can increase their vulnerability to NSSI engagement.

Influence of nonsuicidal self-injury functions on suicide risk in individuals with eating disorders.

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) display elevated rates of suicidality (i.e., suicidal ideation and behaviors) as well as nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) (e.g., self-harm behaviors without intent to die). NSSI-and particularly the functions of NSSI-predict suicidal ideation in general samples; however, to our knowledge, the relation between NSSI functions and suicidal ideation in ED populations has been unexplored. This study examined whether specific functions of NSSI are relevant to suicidal ideation in a treatment-seeking sample of women with EDs (n = 100). Participants completed self-report measures of suicidal ideation, NSSI, and related psychopathology upon intake to an ED treatment program. Using the four-function model of NSSI, we found that intrapersonal and interpersonal-negative reinforcement, but not interpersonal-positive reinforcement functions, were related to suicidal ideation in women with EDs. Contrary to expectations, we did not find that endorsement of multiple NSSI functions was related to increased suicide risk. Findings imply that some, but not all, functions of NSSI may be relevant to suicide risk in individuals with EDs. Implications for further research are discussed.

Function of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Iranian University Students: A Factor Structure Analysis.

Emerging non-Western studies indicate new patterns in the functionality of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) warranting further investigation in different cultures. The current study aims to investigate the function (etiology and underlying mechanism) of NSSI among a sample of university students in Tehran, Iran, using the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS). The ISAS was administered to 63 students who self-injured (52.4% female; Mage = 22.15). An exploratory factor analysis using the Bayesian estimation method was conducted. A three-factor model of NSSI functions emerged including an intrapersonal factor representing within-self functions (e.g., self-punishment); a social identification factor consisting of functions establishing a sense of self/identity (e.g., peer bonding); and a communication factor representing an influencing/communicating functionality (e.g., marking distress). Intrapersonal and social identification factors were associated with greater severity of NSSI method and increased anxiety. Findings support the use of the ISAS among an Iranian sample and revealed additional patterns beyond the commonly referenced two-factor model (intrapersonal and interpersonal functions) in a culturally novel sample. The results are situated within the sample's sociocultural context.

Psychometric Properties of Persian Version of the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory in Hospitalized Patients

Introduction: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) has high prevalence among the patients with psychiatric disorders. Self-Injury plays an important role in the treatment, prognosis and risk of suicide, which highlights the need for an appropriate tool to assess the nature and psychological functions of NSSI. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Ottawa Self-Injury inventory (OSI) in hospitalized patients.&#x0D; Methods: The present study was a psychometric study based on analytical method. The research has been performed on 310 patients with non-suicidal self-injury who have been referred to Nekoei-Hedayati Hospital in Qom City. Sample group completed Persian version of the Ottawa Self-Injury inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR).&#x0D; Results: The results showed that content validity index in this study was more than 0.75 and content validity ratio for validity of questions was more than 0.79. The impact score of all items (Except for the tenth question) was higher than 1.5 that confirmed the face validity of inventory. The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated 0.71. Another result of this study was that 52% of patients reported at least one addictive characteristic.&#x0D; Conclusion: The finding showed that Persian version of Ottawa Self-Injury inventory has appropriate validity (face /content) and reliability in the inpatient population

Hurting the Grandiose Self: Examining Presence, Frequency, and Functions of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Pathological Narcissism.

The present study examines whether dimensions of pathological narcissism are associated with the presence, frequency, and function of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Adults (N = 252) completed questionnaires assessing narcissistic grandiosity, narcissistic vulnerability, fluctuation between these narcissistic states, and borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. Those with a history of NSSI (n = 105) also reported the method, frequency, and function of their NSSI engagement. When controlling for co-occurring BPD symptoms, there were very few associations between vulnerability, grandiosity, and narcissistic fluctuation and NSSI presence and frequency. However, a clear pattern emerged regarding NSSI functions. Although vulnerability and narcissistic fluctuation were not associated with any functions of NSSI when co-occurring BPD symptoms were controlled for, grandiosity was positively associated with all interpersonal functions of NSSI (e.g., peer bonding, revenge) and negatively associated with the intrapersonal function of affect regulation. These results suggest a unique relationship between narcissistic grandiosity and NSSI that may inform clinical intervention.

Üniversite Öğrencileri arasında Kendini Yaralama Davranışının Yordayıcıları

Informed by previous research on non-suicidal self-injury, researchers in the current study sought to understand further the relationships between non-suicidal self-injury, self-esteem, anxiety, and biological sex among college students. Further, the researchers were interested in both current non-suicidal self-injury engagement and lifetime non-suicidal self-injury engagement, which could provide information on prevalence before and after commencing college. In order to examine the predictive relationships between lifetime non-suicidal self-injury engagement, current non-suicidal self-injury engagement, self-esteem, anxiety, and biological sex, participants completed several instruments assessing aforementioned variables. Results yielded that non-suicidal self-injury engagement rate was higher before commencing college. It was further found that while trait anxiety was a significant predictor for current non-suicidal self-injury occurrence, self-esteem was a significant predictor of lifetime non-suicidal self-injury occurrence. Concerning non-suicidal self-injury functions, affect regulation was the leading reason to engage in non-suicidal self-injury followed by self-punishment and anti-dissociation/marking distress.