Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury and Gender: Patterns of Prevalence, Methods, and Locations among Adolescents

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents is a growing concern. However, little is known about gender and features of this behavior. Gender differences in NSSI among a sample of 7,126 adolescents were investigated, 1,774 of whom reported having engaged in NSSI. Gender differences in prevalence, method, and location of NSSI were examined. Findings revealed that females reported higher rates of NSSI, more cutting and scratching, and more injuries to arms and legs than their male counterparts. Males reported more burning and hitting-type behavior, as well as injuries to the chest, face, or genitals. This highlights an interesting pattern of NSSI, which future research should consider to accurately examine NSSI in females and males.

The role of adverse childhood experiences as determinants of non-suicidal self-injury among children and adolescents referred to community and inpatient mental health settings

“…The finding that older adolescents are more likely to engage in NSSI corroborate past studies that have found NSSI typically begins in adolescence between the ages of 12 and 17 (Claes, Luyckx, Baetens, Van de Ven, & Witteman, 2015;Muehlenkamp & Gutierrez, 2004;Sornberger, Heath, Toste, & McLouth, 2012), although some cases begin after age 18 (Whitlock, Eckenrode, & Silverman, 2006). Muehlenkamp and Gutierrez (2004) found that by age 13, 15% of their respondents had engaged in NSSI, 26% had engaged in NSSI by age 14, and 17% had engaged in NSSI by age 15.…”

The Association Between Masculinity and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

“…Among men, adherence to masculine norms was positively associated with NSSI methods that appeared to be in line with these norms (e.g., burning oneself with a lighter or match). Many studies have reported that men are more likely to burn themselves than are women (Andover, Primack, Gibb, & Pepper, 2010;Claes et al, 2007;Laye-Gindhu & Schonert-Reichl, 2005;Sornberger et al, 2012). However, this appears to be the first study to report that this may be a function of adherence to masculine norms.…”

“…Studies examining sex differences in selfharm report that men are more likely to burn, self-hit, bang one's head against objects, punch walls or other objects, and engage in generally risky behaviors (e.g., driving dangerously; Claes, Vandereycken, & Vertommen, 2007;Sornberger, Heath, Toste, & McLouth, 2012;Whitlock et al, 2011). Though these methods appear to be motivated by impulsivity and aggression, rather than selfdirected violence performed for the regulation of negative affect (Klonsky, 2007), these methods largely meet criteria for NSSI.…”

A Brief Report on Predicting Self-Harm: Is It Gender or Abuse that Matters?

“…This complexity might explain why some studies report that females are more likely to engage in self-harm (e.g., Sornberger, Heath, Toste, & McLouth, 2012), whereas other studies report no gender differences (e.g., Guan, Fox, & Prinstein, 2012). The effect of gender on self-harm might actually stem from abuse history and abuse-related intrapersonal factors, not gender itself (N. W. Bakken & Gunter, 2012), as the likelihood of experiencing certain kinds of abuse varies by gender (Goldberg & Freyd, 2006;Gratz et al, 2002).…”