Frequency of Exposure to and Engagement in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Inpatient Adolescents

Arch Suicide Res. 2016 Oct-Dec;20(4):580-90. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2016.1162240. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between frequency of exposure to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and engagement in NSSI among adolescents. Ninety inpatient adolescents with a history of NSSI, ages 12 to 17, completed a structured interview. The majority of participants had learned about NSSI prior to initiating the behavior themselves. More frequent exposure to specific methods of NSSI was associated with greater frequency of using those same methods. Greater exposure to NSSI in the media and seeking out NSSI content were related to greater frequency of engagement in NSSI. Clinicians may help those who self-injure to become more knowledgeable and educated consumers of media to prevent NSSI behavior and contagion.

Keywords: adolescents; internet; media exposure; self-harm; self-injury.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Exposure to Violence / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior*
  • Inpatients / psychology
  • Inpatients / statistics & numerical data
  • Interview, Psychological / methods
  • Male
  • Mass Media
  • Preventive Psychiatry / methods
  • Self-Injurious Behavior* / prevention & control
  • Self-Injurious Behavior* / psychology