The prevalence of self-injury in adolescence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

In the past 10 years, there has been a growing interest in self-injurious behavior (SIB) among adolescents. The lifetime prevalence of SIB is between 16 and 22% in community sample with females more likely to engage in SIB. There are conflicting results about the global distribution of the prevalence of SIB and whether the SIB has increased in the 21st century. Our aim in the current study was to conduct a systematic search of and meta-analysis on the prevalence of SIB in adolescents over the past 5 years’ worth of published papers and to examine gender, continental, and year differences. We conducted a systematic search in June 2020 of six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, OVID Medline, PsycINFO, EBSCO) with three main search terms: “self-injurious behavior,” “prevalence,” and “adolescence.” Article inclusion criteria were (a) written in English; (b) published between January 1, 2015, and June 18, 2020; and (c) focused on a community sample. Titles and abstracts of the articles were screened first. Then, the relevant full texts were read, and those that met the inclusion criteria were collected. We used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used to conduct the analyses. After the screening process 97, articles were included in the meta-analysis. The age of the samples ranged from 11.00 to 18.53 years. The overall average prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury in the studies was 16%. There was a significant gender difference: females reported a higher prevalence than males (19.4% and 12.9%, respectively). A significantly higher prevalence was found among Asian articles than those from other continents (19.5% and 14.7%, respectively). The prevalence of SIB did not change significantly between 2013 and 2018. The current research draws attention to the high prevalence of SIB among adolescents, especially among females and those living in Asia. It is important to address this behavior, both in terms of prevention and intervention.

Cyberbullying and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) in Adolescence: Exploring Moderators and Mediators through a Systematic Review

“…The lifetime prevalence of self-injurious behaviors both with and without suicidal intent has been reported at 20% in a meta-analytical study investigating the global prevalence of self-harming behaviors in adolescents [34]. Farkas et al (2023) revealed in their recent systematic review and meta-analysis an overall prevalence of NSSI of 16% in studies published between 2015 and 2020. Noteworthy gender differences in prevalence rates were also reported, with a prevalence rate of approximately 21% for females and 16.5% for males [35].…”

“…Farkas et al (2023) revealed in their recent systematic review and meta-analysis an overall prevalence of NSSI of 16% in studies published between 2015 and 2020. Noteworthy gender differences in prevalence rates were also reported, with a prevalence rate of approximately 21% for females and 16.5% for males [35]. A 90% prevalence of internet use has been reported among adolescents that employ self-injurious acts [36].…”

The role of Theory of Mind in the transition towards suicidal attempts in youth NSSI: an exploratory pilot study

“…Recent meta-analytic work stated how the occurrence of NSSI behaviour during development shows an initial increase in correspondence of early adolescence, followed by a peak and a subsequent decline ( 3 ). Reported data sums up to a relatively high prevalence in this population, estimated to be 16% ( 4 ), and, as such, NSSI is identified as a major public health concern ( 5 , 6 ), even more so as it associates with different negative outcomes, including suicidal behaviours ( 7 ). Suicidal behaviours are defined as nonfatal suicidal thoughts and behaviours and classified as a) suicide ideation, the presence of thoughts of ending one’s life; b) suicide plans, the formulation of a specific method to do so; c) suicide attempts (SA), which refer to potentially self-injurious behaviours in which there is at least some intent, overt or inferred, to die ( 8 ).…”

Attentional Biases and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Urges in Adolescents

“…Recognized as a transdiagnostic entity, NSSI has been proposed as a potential disorder warranting additional research in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) . Global prevalence estimates of NSSI among adolescents are approximately 16 to 17% . NSSI behaviors include cutting, scratching, burning, and striking or punching objects to cause bruising or bleeding .…”

“…3 Global prevalence estimates of NSSI among adolescents are approximately 16 to 17%. 4,5 NSSI behaviors include cutting, scratching, burning, and striking or punching objects to cause bruising or bleeding. 6 Notably, NSSI is a significant predictor of subsequent suicide attempts.…”