Citation

Zhu L, Westers NJ, Horton SE, King JD, Diederich A, Stewart SM, Kennard BD. Arch. Suicide Res. 2016; 20(4): 580-590.

Affiliation

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas & Children's Medical Center of Dallas.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2016.1162240

PMID

26983456

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between frequency of exposure to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and engagement in NSSI among adolescents.

METHOD: Ninety inpatient adolescents with a history of NSSI, ages 12 to 17, completed a structured interview.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: Clinicians may help those who self-injure to become more knowledgeable and educated consumers of media to prevent NSSI behavior and contagion.

Language: en