Characterizing the choice to disclose nonsuicidal self-injury

Abstract

Objective: Despite nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) being a prevalent and problematic behavior, only approximately half of those who engage in NSSI disclose their behavior. Yet, limited research has explored the choice to disclose. This study sought to identify if NSSI characteristics, emotional distress, and perceived interpersonal obstacles discriminated between NSSI disclosure status. Exploratory aims also investigated reasons for one's disclosure decision and disclosure contextual factors.

Method: Participants included 977 undergraduate students (83% female) with a lifetime history of NSSI.

Results: Greater NSSI intrapersonal functions, suicide risk, and significant other support, and lower depression symptoms were associated with NSSI disclosure. Exploratory results highlight perceptions of one's NSSI severity and desire to receive support in disclosure choice; intrapersonal functions and peer support were associated with the timing of disclosure.

Conclusions: Findings underscore the potential importance of individual attitudes toward NSSI, in addition to traditionally measured risk factors, as potential drivers in NSSI disclosure.

Keywords: help seeking; self-disclosure; self-harm; self-injury; social support.