Psychopathological, personal, and sociocultural aspects of non-suicidal self-harm in adolescents and young adults
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents and young people is a serious and growing public-health issue. Studies indicate that the prevalence of NSSI in adolescents ranges from 13 to 28 %, reaching even higher rates in clinical and vulnerable groups, including individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety, borderline personality traits, and histories of childhood trauma. Studies confirm the global character of this behavior, reflecting both universal and culture-specific mechanisms underlying it. Functional analyses of NSSI show that such behavior serves both intrapersonal functions (reducing emotional tension) and interpersonal functions (attracting attention or expressing needs). There is strong evidence of a close link between NSSI and suicidal intent, which heightens the need for early detection, targeted intervention, and differentiated prevention. Of particular concern is the rising involvement of adolescents in digital self-harm, the viewing of self-injury images online, and the spread of NSSI content on social media, which are associated with the formation of entrenched harmful behavior patterns and reduced sensitivity to risk. At the same time, studies point to inadequate coverage of adolescents by specialized psychiatric and psychological services, especially in regions with limited access to mental health care. Despite a growing empirical base, a unified conceptual model that integrates psychological, social, and cultural factors determining the development and functions of NSSI is still lacking. The relevance of the present research is driven by the need for a comprehensive analysis of contemporary scientific knowledge on the motives, functions, and risks of NSSI in adolescents and young people, taking into account cross-cultural differences, clinical characteristics, and the influence of the digital environment. Such data are essential for developing effective programs for early intervention, prevention, and follow-up across various institutional contexts – from schools to mental health services.
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4415907907