Social factors associated with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)

Excerpt

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent among adolescents and young adults. Besides (neuro-) biological elements, social factors seem to play a crucial role in the onset and maintenance of NSSI. These factors can include parent–child or sibling relationships, peer-relationships, as well as experiences with social media or at school. Although cultural differences may have a large influence on the prevalence and nature of NSSI, little is known about NSSI in non-Western countries. Furthermore, potentially traumatizing life events can be associated with the onset and maintenance of NSSI. Especially for young people who were forced to leave their homes and live as refugees in foreign countries, one might expect higher rates of NSSI. However, research on NSSI in this particularly vulnerable group is scarce. …