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The aim of the present study was to compare different features of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) in India and Belgium. We also explored whether the strength of the association between NSSI and disturbances in identity formation—a risk factor that can increase vulnerability to NSSI—was similar in young adults from India and Belgium. Data regarding NSSI and identity formation were collected from 182 young adults in India (56% females, mean age = 21.5 years, SD = 3.70, range = 17–38 years). The Belgian data used for matching were derived from four existing datasets. Of the 182 Indian cases, 138 cases could be matched with the Belgian sample on age, gender, and lifetime prevalence of NSSI. Lifetime prevalence of NSSI in the Indian sample was found to be around 21.4%, with higher prevalence in females than in males. Comparison of features of NSSI in India and Belgium indicated that the age of onset of NSSI was higher in the Indian sample (around 17 years) than the Belgian sample (around 15 years). Additionally, self-bruising behavior was more commonly reported in India and scratching/cutting was more often reported in Belgium. Finally, the Belgian sample reported intra-personal functions of NSSI more often than the Indian sample. Moderation analysis indicated that the associations between NSSI and identity confusion/integration were stronger in the Belgian sample compared to the Indian sample. Higher self-knowledge was protective against NSSI in both the Indian and the Belgian sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent in adolescents. Secure attachment with family and peers can reduce vulnerability to NSSI and can optimize the outcomes of developmental challenges such as identity formation. Problems experienced in these developmental processes and contexts can increase vulnerability to NSSI. Hence, the present study examined associations between attachment with mother and peers, identity formation, and NSSI, using self-report questionnaires in 528 high school students (Mean age = 15.0 years, SD = 1.84, 11-19 years, 50.4 % females). The lifetime prevalence of NSSI was found to be 14.2 %. Mediation analyses indicated that peer trust had a significant negative indirect effect on NSSI via identity synthesis and confusion. The positive association between peer alienation and NSSI was partially mediated by a lack of identity synthesis. Further, the pathways from maternal trust and alienation to NSSI were fully mediated by both identity confusion and synthesis. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As many refugee minors have gone/go through stressful life experiences and uncertainty, one might expect mental health issues, including self-injury. However, literature on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in refugee minors is scarce. This study explores the prevalence, methods, and functions of NSSI in refugee minors in Belgium, and compares research results to the existing literature on NSSI in Western adolescents. Methods: Data were obtained from 121 refugee minors (mean age = 16.12, SD = 1.23; range 14–18 years) through schools located in the Flemish and Brussels-Capital regions of Belgium. The sample consists of 39.7% girls and 60.3% boys. Self-report questionnaires were used to explore socio-economic data, NSSI behaviour (e.g. The Brief Non-Suicidal Self-injury Assessment Tool; BNNSI-AT) and emotional and behavioural difficulties (The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ). Non-parametric Chi square tests were used for statistical comparisons of the obtained data as well as independent-sample t-tests and Fisher's exact tests. Results: Results show a lifetime NSSI prevalence rate of 17.4%. Being accompanied or not, having both parents around, or living in an asylum centre did not influence NSSI prevalence. An average of 2.65 methods of NSSI was applied (SD = 2.50; range 1–9). The mean number of functions per person was six (SD = 4.97, range 0–16), with automatic functions reported the most. The data do point towards a greater psychological strain, with 68.4% reporting more than five acts of NSSI. Results of the SDQ's Total Difficulties Scale and, more specifically, of the Emotional Problems, Conduct Problems, Peer Problems and Impact Scales indicate a substantial risk of clinically significant problems within the NSSI group. The Peer Problems and Impact Scales also point towards a high risk for suicidality amongst self-injuring refugees. Conclusions: Prevalence rates, methods and functions are comparable to Western samples. However, the higher incidence of the NSSI and the results on the SDQ also emphasise the vulnerability of refugee minors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) constitutes a significant mental health concern that is highly prevalent in adolescence. Theoretical accounts and empirical research suggest that, in the short-term, NSSI may provide instant relief from intense psychological distress and ruminative thoughts. However, much less is known about these associations over time throughout adolescence. Therefore, we designed a three-year longitudinal study and examined the bidirectional prospective associations between psychological distress, rumination, and NSSI. We assessed 528 secondary school students (at Time 1: Mean age = 15.0 years, SD = 1.85, range 11 to 19 years, 50.6% female, 98.7% of Belgian nationality) using self-report questionnaires at three annual measurement points. Cross-lagged structural equation modelling was performed to examine the directionality of associations. Results indicated positive bidirectional associations between (1) distress and NSSI; and positive unidirectional associations between (2) distress and rumination, and (3) NSSI and rumination. The current study embeds NSSI in a broader network of cognitive and emotional antecedents and consequents, and is the first to consider the long-term influence these components exert on each other. As NSSI may play a significant part in increasing distress and rumination, the behaviour potentially sustains a longer-term maladaptive cycle between emotion, cognition, and NSSI. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Background: This study examines: (1) the prevalence of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) among Dutch and Belgian adolescents, (2) the associations between Big Five personality traits and NSSI engagement/versatility (i.e., number of NSSI methods), and (3) whether these associations are mediated by perceived stress and coping., Methods: A total of 946 Flemish (46%) and Dutch (54%) non-institutionalized adolescents (Mean age=15.52; SD=1.34, 44% females) were surveyed. Measures included the NSSI subscale of the Self-Harm-Inventory, the Dutch Quick Big Five Personality questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Utrecht Coping List for Adolescents. Examination of zero-order correlations was used to reveal associations, and hierarchical regression analysis was used to reveal potential mediators which were further examined within parallel mediation models by using a bootstrapping-corrected procedure., Results: Lifetime prevalence of NSSI was 24.31%. Neuroticism; perceived stress; and distractive, avoidant, depressive, and emotional coping were positively associated with NSSI engagement, whereas Agreeableness, Conscientiousness; and active, social, and optimistic coping were negatively associated with NSSI engagement. Observed relationships between personality traits and NSSI engagement were consistently explained by perceived stress and depressive coping. A higher versatility of NSSI was not associated with any Big Five personality trait, but was associated with higher scores on perceived stress and depressive coping and with lower scores on active and optimistic coping., Conclusion: Our study suggests that a specific personality constellation is associated with NSSI engagement via high stress levels and a typical depressive reaction pattern to handle stressful life events., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)