Examining Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Adolescents with Mental Health Needs, in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents with mental health needs and specific factors associated with NSSI among adolescents aged 14 to 18 years who received mental health services in adult mental health facilities in Ontario, Canada. Data on 2,013 adolescents were obtained from the Ontario Mental Health Reporting System using the Resident Assessment Instrument-Mental Health (RAI-MH) and were analyzed using logistic regression. Approximately, 20.2% (407 adolescents) of the sample engaged in NSSI within the last 12 months. Results from multivariate logistic regression indicate that females were 2.19 times more likely to engage in NSSI than males. Intentional misuse of prescription medication emerged as the most important factor associated with NSSI. Other factors found to be associated with NSSI included multiple psychiatric admissions, sexual abuse, use of alcohol, mood disorders (e.g., depression), adjustment disorders, personality disorders and symptoms of depression. The article discusses the implications of the findings, with suggestions for future research.

An Examination of Correlates for Adolescent Engagement in Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury, Suicidal Self‐Injury, and Substance Use

“…On the basis of previous literature, gender was expected to be an important potential risk factor for adolescent engagement in NSSI, SSI, and substance use. Consistent with previous research, it was found that females were more likely than males to engage in both NSSI and SSI (Hamza et al., ; Miller et al., ; Sornberger et al., ; Stewart, Baiden, & Theall‐Honey, ). Furthermore, elevated levels of depressive symptoms, which were more common among female adolescents as compared to males, were strongly predictive of NSSI and SSI (e.g., Jenkins, Singer, Conner, Calhoun, & Diamond, ).…”

The mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between bullying victimization and non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents: Findings from community and inpatient mental health settings in Ontario, Canada

“…Our findings add to the extant literature and underscore the harmful effect of bullying (Finkelhor et al, 2005;Storch and Ledley, 2005). The desire to regulate mood and affect is one consistent reason that has been adduced in explaining adolescent NSSI behavior (Nock, 2010;Noll et al, 2003;Stewart et al, 2014). A qualitative study undertaken by Long et al (2015) shows that many of their participants engaged in NSSI as a means to manage the traumatic life experience and emotional distress.…”

The Relationship between Childhood Maltreatment and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Systematic Review

“…In a large ( N = 2,980) study carried out by Christoffersen and colleagues in 2015 ( 25 ), individuals with a history of CM, peer victimization at school, or other adverse experiences were six times more likely to report NSSI than participants without this history. Stewart et al ( 26 ) confirmed that sexual abuse was associated with NSSI in a sample of adolescents who accessed mental health services. Finally, in the study of Stinson and colleagues ( 27 ) in a sample of 381 forensic mental health inpatients, traumatic experiences enhanced the likelihood of self-harm and suicide attempts.…”