Relationship Between Adolescent Suicidality, Self-Injury, and Media Habits

Erin L Belfort; Lindsey Miller

doi:10.1016/j.chc.2017.11.004

Relationship Between Adolescent Suicidality, Self-Injury, and Media Habits

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2018 Apr;27(2):159-169. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2017.11.004. Epub 2017 Dec 22.

Authors

Erin L Belfort¹, Lindsey Miller²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry, Maine Medical Center, 66 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04101, USA. Electronic address: ebelfort@mmc.org.
² Department of Psychiatry, Maine Medical Center, 66 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04101, USA.

PMID: 29502743
DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2017.11.004

Abstract

Media has changed the daily lives of most Americans, especially adolescents. The interplay between development and media habits is complex. There is a link between excessive media use and risk-taking behaviors, with an alarming increase in adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidal behavior, and completed suicide. The link is complex and not necessarily causal. Clinicians should routinely take a media history that distinguishes types and extent of use, content, and psychological impact. Media is a significant part of adolescents' lives and exploring their engagement with media is a critical piece of the initial assessment, risk assessment, and ongoing treatment.

Keywords: Adolescence; Contagion; Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI); Social media; Suicidality.

Publication types

Case Reports
Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
Adolescent Development*
Female
Humans
Male
Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology*
Social Media*
Suicidal Ideation*