Citation

Taliaferro LA, Muehlenkamp JJ. J. Am. Coll. Health 2014; 63(1): 40-48.

Affiliation

Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance , University of Tampa , Tampa , Florida.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2014.953166

PMID

25144520

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality among undergraduates represent important public health issues. This analysis identified risk factors that distinguished three groups, those who reported: no history of self-harm; self-injury, but no suicide attempts (NSSI only); and self-injury and a suicide attempt (NSSI + SA) in the past year.

METHODS: Data came from 16,044 undergraduates who completed the Fall 2010 National College Health Assessment.

RESULTS: Over 3% of students reported NSSI, and one-third of these individuals also attempted suicide. Factors that distinguished the NSSI only and NSSI + SA groups from the no self-harm group included current depressive symptoms, non-heterosexual orientation, an eating disorder/extreme weight control behavior, and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder. Factors that distinguished the NSSI + SA group from the NSSI only group were current depressive symptoms and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder.

CONCLUSIONS: Students experiencing mental health problems demonstrate increased risk for NSSI and/or suicidal behavior.

Language: en