Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adolescence: Longitudinal Course, Trajectories, and Intrapersonal Predictors

Abstract

Although prevalence rates of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has been established throughout adolescence, little is known about the progression of NSSI, and consequently, about the risk factors for youth NSSI engagement. This study aimed to describe the overall longitudinal course of NSSI and the latent trajectory classes of NSSI in a population-based sample of adolescents using multi-wave data. Moreover, this study examined whether sex, lifetime history of depression, rumination, and negative attributional style predicted the longitudinal course of NSSI and trajectory group membership. Participants were 617 Chinese adolescents in Grades 10 through 12 (51.4 % girls). NSSI was assessed across eight waves of data. History of depression, rumination, and negative attributional style were assessed at baseline. Latent growth curve modeling revealed that only lifetime depression predicted the longitudinal course of NSSI from Grades 10 to 12, with depressed adolescents showing greater and more stable NSSI engagement over time than non-depressed adolescents. Group-based trajectory modeling yielded three distinct trajectory classes of NSSI engagement: low (69.2 %), moderate (26.1 %), and chronic (4.7 %). Negative attributional style distinguished adolescents in the chronic vs. low and moderate NSSI trajectory classes. Sex, rumination, and lifetime depression predicted membership in the chronic and/or moderate vs. low NSSI trajectory class. NSSI trajectory classes, based on frequency of NSSI, exist and are differentiated by sex, depression history, rumination, and negative attributional style. This study suggests that during this period of adolescence NSSI may be a relatively stable behavior, especially for some adolescents. Negative attributional style may be a salient risk factor for chronic NSSI engagement.

The neurobiology of self-knowledge in depressed and self-injurious youth

“…NSSI is comorbid with both externalizing and internalizing disorders, including borderline personality (BPD), substance use, eating disorders, and depression (Nock et al, 2006). Understanding NSSI within its comorbid disorders is essential, as this behavior portends chronic mental illness (Barrocas et al, 2015), increased suicide risk (Dickstein et al, 2015; Klonsky et al, 2013), and lifetime impairment (Glenn and Klonsky, 2013; In-Albon et al, 2013). Identifying neural signatures distinguishing NSSI from comorbid disorders may elucidate unique neural signatures of higher risk trajectories.…”

Self-Criticism and Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Relationship Between Emotional Experiences With Family and Peers and Self-Injury in Adolescence

“…Besides its elevated occurrence in adolescence (e.g., Giletta et al, 2012), NSSI is associated with several psychopathological indicators and increased risk for future suicide (Klonsky, May, & Glenn, 2013). Both the high prevalence of NSSI and its associated consequences in adolescence have been accounted in several studies in different countries (e.g., U.S.A, European countries, China), suggesting that NSSI is a cross-cultural phenomenon (Barrocas, Giletta, Hankin, Prinstein & Abela, 2015;Giletta et al, 2012;Muehlenkamp, Claes, Haventarpe & Plener, 2012). In Portugal, although studies on NSSI are scarce, some have reported similar prevalence rates (e.g., Xavier, Cunha, & PintoGouveia, 2015).…”

Predictors of Rehospitalization for Depressed Adolescents Admitted to Acute Psychiatric Treatment

“…However, no research has examined the impact of NSSI or risky behavior engagement. Both behaviors tend to be relatively stable and persist among depressed adolescents 24,25 and may be less likely to change in the context of short-term treatment. Further, as NSSI and risky behavior engagement tend to be more overt, these behaviors may act as early warning signs for families and outpatient clinicians to increase the level of care needed for adolescents.…”