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The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory: Evaluation of an assessment measure of nonsuicidal self-injury in an inpatient sample of adolescents

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The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) is a self-report measure that offers a comprehensive assessment of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), including measurement of its functions and addictive features. In a preliminary investigation of self injuring college students who completed the OSI, exploratory analysis revealed four function factors (Internal Emotion Regulation, Social Influence, External Emotion Regulation and Sensation Seeking) and a single Addictive Features factor. Rates of NSSI are particularly high in inpatient psychiatry youth. The OSI can assistin both standardizing assessment regarding functions and potential addictive features and aid case formulation leading to informed treatment planning. This report will describe a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the OSI on youth hospitalized in a psychiatric unit in southwestern Ontario. Demographic and self-report data were collected from all youth consecutively admitted to an adolescent in-patient unit who provided consent or assent. The mean age of the sample was 15.71 years (SD = 1.5) and 76 (81 %) were female. The CFA proved the same four function factors relevant, as in the previous study on college students (χ (2)(183) = 231.98, p = .008; χ (2)/df = 1.27; CFI = .91; RMSEA = .05). The model yielded significant correlations between factors (rs = .44-.90, p < .001). Higher NSSI frequency was related to higher scores on each function factor (rs = .24-.29, p < .05), except the External Emotion Regulation factor (r = .11, p > .05). The factor structure of the Addictive Features function was also confirmed (χ (2)(14) = 21.96, p > .05; χ (2)/df = 1.57; CFI = .96; RMSEA = .08). All the items had significant path estimates (.52 to .80). Cronbach's alpha for the Addictive Features scale was .84 with a mean score of 16.22 (SD = 6.90). Higher Addictive Features scores were related to more frequent NSSI (r = .48, p < .001). Results show further support for the OSI as a valid and reliable assessment tool in adolescents, in this case in a clinical setting, where results can inform case conceptualization and treatment planning.
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RES E A R C H A R T I C L E Open Access
The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory: Evaluation
of an assessment measure of nonsuicidal
self-injury in an inpatient sample of adolescents
Mary K Nixon
1*
, Christine Levesque
2
, Michèle Preyde
3
, John Vanderkooy
4
and Paula F. Cloutier
5
Abstract
Background: The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) is a self-report measure that offers a comprehensive assessment of
nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), including measurement of its functions and addictive features. In a preliminary investigation
of self injuring college students who completed the OSI, exploratory analysis revealed four function factors (Internal
Emotion Regulation, Social Influence, External Emotion Regulation and Sensation Seeking) and a single Addictive Features
factor. Rates of NSSI are particularly high in inpatient psychiatry youth. The OSI can assistin both standardizing assessment
regarding functions and potential addictive features and aid case formulation leading to informed treatment planning.
This report will describe a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the OSI on youth hospitalized in a psychiatric unit in
southwestern Ontario.
Methods: Demographic and self-report data were collected from all youth consecutively admitted to an adolescent
in-patient unit who provided consent or assent.
Results: The mean age of the sample was 15.71 years (SD = 1.5) and 76 (81 %) were female. The CFA proved the same
four function factors relevant, as in the p revious study on college students (χ
2
(183) = 231.98, p = .008; χ
2
/df =
1.27; CFI = .91; RMSEA = .05). The model yielded significant correlations between factors (rs = .44-.90, p < .001).
HigherNSSIfrequencywasrelatedtohigherscoresoneachfunctionfactor(rs = .24-.29, p < .05), except the
ExternalEmotionRegulationfactor(r = .11, p > .05). The factor structure of the Addictive Features function was
also confirmed (χ
2
(14) = 21.96, p > .05; χ
2
/df = 1.57; CFI = .96; RMSEA = .08). All the items had significant path
estimates (.52 to .80). Cronbachs alpha for the Addictive Features scale was .84 with a mean score of 16.22
(SD = 6.90). Higher Addictive Features scores were related to more frequent NSSI (r = .48, p < .001).
Conclusions: Results show further support for the OSI as a valid and reliable assessment tool in a dolescents,
in this case in a clinical setting, where results can inform case conceptualization a nd treatment planning.
Keywords : Nonsuicidal self-injury, Assessment, Functions, Addictive features, Youth
Background
Early adolescence is the peak period of onset for non
suicidal self-injury (NSSI) [1] providing, if detected, an
opportunity for early intervent ion as the youth is at risk
of developing a repetitive maladaptive coping strategy.
In clinical practice, there are curre ntly no routine
standardized self report mea sures used to inform the
understanding a nd treatment of N SSI despite it s high
prevalence rates in clinical populations [2, 3]. The
majority of NSSI measures remain research tools.
Having a mea sure of N SSI that is valid and clinically
useful can inform case conceptualization and treat-
ment planning.
While the clinical interview provides important infor-
mation and the opportunity to develop a therapeutic
alliance, many youth may not share the extent of their
NSSI due to shame or difficul ty expressing themselves
fully in one on one questioning. Many find that
self report measures are helpful to share information
they would otherwise be reluctant to disclose [4]. In
* Correspondence: Mary.Nixon@viha.ca
Equal contributors
1
Queen Alexandra Centre for Childrens Health, 2400 Arbutus Rd, Victoria, BC
V8N 1V7, Canada
Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
© 2015 Nixon et al. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly credited. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://
creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.
Nixon et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (2015) 9:26
DOI 10.1186/s13034-015-0056-5
addition, clinicians may not be able to provide as com-
prehensive questioning specific to NSSI nor necessarily
have the time to do so in the first assessment interview.
Many aspects of NSSI have been poorly understood in
terms of its functions and other characteristics. The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
5
th
Edition (DSM-5) [5] has included criteria for NSSI to
the section requiring further study indicating that
NSSI requires more research and proposing that NSSI
does not solely exist as a symptom of borderline person-
ality disorder.
Theories regarding the reasons or functions of NSSI
have been postulated for several decades with an under-
standing that NSSI may serve more than one function
[6]. Klonsky [7] completed a comprehensive review of
theoretical und erstandings of the functions of NSSI and
research to date in the field. Seven main categori es
of functions of NSSI were derived from this review:
affect regulation, self-punishment, antidissociation, inter-
personal influence, interpersonal boundaries, sensation-
seeking, and anti-suicide. The most commonly endorsed
reason for NSSI is affect regulation with the intent to
relieve negative affective states such as tension, depres-
sion, and/or anger. This category was the most highly
endorsed function in a study of hospitalized adolescent s
where the mean number of en dorsed reasons per indi-
vidual, regardless of category of function, was approxi-
mately eight [8]. In a paper entitled Why do people
hurt themselves?, M. Nock provides an integrated the-
oretical model of the development and maintenance of
NSSI. Distal risk factors such as genetic predisposition
to high emotional/cognitive reactivity, intra and inter-
personal vulnerability factors, responses to stress and
specific NSSI vulnerability factors in the generation of
NSSI are illustrated in how they may interact. This
model helps to consider those at more risk for develop-
ment of NSSI and incorporates the role and underpin-
nings of the potential functions of NSSI [9].
There remains some controversy regarding whether
NSSI can become an addictive behaviour despite many
youths self reporting this anecdotally and several studies
providing evidence of addictive features. In a clinical
study of youth with NSSI to study addictive features,
Nixon Cloutier and Aggarwal [8], showed that 97.6 % of
a clinical sample of 42 repetitive self injuring adolescents
endorsed at least three dependence items on a seven-
point criteria scale for addictive features of NSSI. This
scale was adapted from the Diagnostic Statistical Manual
of Ment al Disorders IV TR (substance dependence cri-
teria) [10]. Schaub, Holly, Toste, and, Heath [personal
communications, 2006], in a university sample of self-
injurers, showed that 31 % endorsed at least three of the
addictive features using the same seven-item scale. More
recently, Moumne, Heath, Schaub, and Nixon [personal
communications; 2014] found that of 137 out of 710
high school students surveyed that endorsed lifetime
presence of NSSI, 20.4 % reported three or more Addi-
tive Features on the OSI addictive features scale. Those
with addictive features had higher frequency, more
methods and more locations of NSSI. Opposing the
concept that NSSI has the potential as an addictive be-
haviour, Victor, Glenn, and Klonsky [11] found in com-
paring drug users and self injuring adolescents that
cravings occurred primarily while experiencing negative
emotions for NSSI with cravings of drug users being
higher than that of self injurers.
In re views o f N SSI asses sment tools [12, 13] there
appears to be significant va riability in functions that
are mea sured between a ssessment tools. Despite the
number of self-report measures asses sing NSSI func-
tions (e.g., Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury
[14], Functional Ass essment of Self-Mutilation [15])
none, e xcept the OSI, assess potential addictive fea-
tures in addition to functions of NSSI. The OSI is a
self-report measure that offers a comprehensive a s -
sessment of NSSI, including both mea surement of it s
functions and potential addictive features. The inventory
was developed based on a comprehensive literature re-
view, clinician feedback and input from adolescent psychi-
atric inpatients with NSSI. It contains a number of scales
including an indication of frequency of recent NSSI
thoughts and acts, reasons for starting and reasons for
continuing to self injure (i.e., functions), addictive features,
level of motivation to stop the behaviour and other char-
acteristics of the nature of NSSI. Youth also respond to
questions regarding what has or has not helped in terms
of previous treatment (s).
The OSI has been previously validated in a commu-
nity sample of self-injuring university students [16].
Explorator y fa ctor analyses revealed four function
factors (Internal Emotion Regulation, Social Influence,
External Emotion Regulation, and Sensation Seeking)
and a single Addictive Features factor. Convergent
evidence for the functions fa ctors scores was demon-
strated through significant correlations with the Func-
tional Assessment of Self-Mutilation measure [15], a
known tool for assessing the functions of NSSI. Con-
vergent evidence w a s also noted for indications of
psychological well being, ris ky behaviours, and con-
text and frequency of NSSI. Convergent e vidence for
the Addictive Features scores was demonstrated
through associations with NSSI frequency, feeling
relieved following the act of NSSI, and the inabi lity to
resist urges to self injure. The conclusions of this pre-
liminary research were that the OSI is a valid and
reliable asse ssment tool that can be used in both re-
search and clinical settings and t hat further research
is warranted.
Nixon et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (2015) 9:26 Page 2 of 7
The purpose of this report is to describe a confirma-
tory factor analysis of the functions and addictive scales
of the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) on youth hos-
pitalized in a child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient
unit in Ontario, Canada. These analyses were performed
on data collected for a study on the characteristics of
youth who accessed inpatient psychiatric care regarding
nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviour [3]. Com-
prehensive, accessible and user friendly measures such
as the OSI fill a gap in the practice of assessment and
offer clinicians a means to obje ctively assess the behav-
iour in a standardized fashion.
Methods
Subjects
Participants were youth (14 to 18 years old) consecu-
tively admitted between July 2012 and January 2013 to
the Child and Adolescent Inpatient unit who gave con-
sent and completed the OSI. The inpatient unit provides
in-patient crisis, assessment, stabilization and treatment
where the mean length of stay is approximately 5 days.
Procedures
Youth provided informed consent. Exclusion criteria
were an unstable psychiatric condition (e.g., psychosis
interfering with the ability to provide informed consent),
intellectual disability or pervasive developmental disabil-
ity which was determined by nursing staff. Consenting
youth completed the OSI while in hospital. Research
Ethics Board (REB) approval was obtained from the
Grand River Hospital, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario and
the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario.
Measures
The study included self-reported measures of demo-
graphics and a standardized measure of NSSI. Data were
collected post day two of admission. Youth with a brief
one day admission or held overnight were not included.
Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) [16]: This self re-
port inven tory is an in-depth mea sure of occurrence,
frequency, level of motivation to stop, types and func-
tions and potential addictive features of self-injury. The
functions of NSSI are endorsed by indicating the degree
to which 31 items (e.g., to release unbearable tension,
to get care and attention from others) correspond with
their rea sons for engaging in NSSI, ranging from 0,
never a reason,to4,always a reason). Seven questions
were modified from the DSM-IV-TR criteria for sub-
stance dependence to incorporate NSSI as opposed to
substance use . These were used to assess addictive fea-
tures (e.g., Despite a desire to cut down or control this
behaviour, you are unable to do so) with a range
response options from 0 ( never)to4(always) for each
addictive feature. The OSI has been shown to be valid
and reliable with excellent internal consistency scores
of 0.67 to 0.87 in a university sample of young adults
[16] and is appropriate for use with clinical samples of
adolescents.
Data analysis
Demographic data was analysed with descriptive statis-
tics using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS) Version 21 [17]. Confirmatory factor analysis was
used to verify the factor structure of the OSI using
AMOS 20 [18]. In order to optimize the sample size,
missing values were estimated using Expectation
Maximization. None of the items had more than 5 %
missing values, indicating that this option was appropri-
ate for use [19].
Results
In the original sample [3], 322 children and youth were
admitted during the study period and assessed by nurs -
ing staff for possible inclusion in the study: 102 youth
declined to participate or complete the sur vey, or there
were difficulties in obtaining guardian consent, 25 youth
were discharged or on pass before they could be asked
about the study or before the RA could make contact,
72 did not meet inclusion criteria (48 were considered
not appropriate due to psychosis, developmental delay
or violent behaviour, 16 were re-admissions, 6 were ex-
cluded due to age, one had language difficulties, and one
due to extreme fatigue affecting their ability to complete
the questionnaires). Ninety-four participants with a life-
time pre valence of NSSI who completed the functions
section of the OSI were included in this analysis. Almost
half (45.8 %) of the youth reported daily or weekly NSSI
and seventy-three percent (n = 69) reported co-occurring
suicidal ideation and/or behaviour. The mean age was
15.71 (1.5) ran ging from 11 to 20 years of age. Eighty-
one percent of participants were female, 16 % were male,
and one participant was bi-gender. Most youth were at-
tending high school (n = 74), four were in middle school,
and 7 were in college or university. Approximately three
quarters of the sample (n = 42) self reported having symp-
toms of depression.
Confirmatory factor analysis of function scores
A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conduc ted to
confirm the factor structure of the initial functions of
the OSI (Why did you start to self injure?). The model
was composed of four factors (Internal Emotion Regula-
tion, Social Influence, External Emotion Regulation, and
Sensation Seeking). Correlation paths between the factors
were allowed. Bootstrapping (5000 samples) was used to
managethepresenceofmultivariatenon-normaldata
within the subsample [20]. The fit of the model was
deemed inadequate (χ
2
(246) = 402.12, p < .001; χ
2
/df = 1.64;
Nixon et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (2015) 9:26 Page 3 of 7
CFI = .76; RMSEA = .083). Upon further inspection, two
items (to diminish feelings of sexual arousal and to
get care and attention from other people)fromthe
social influence factor did not have significant path
estimates and were therefore removed from the
model. In addition, inspection of the modification in-
dexes revealed that one item ( to stop me from think-
ing about idea s of killing myself ) had significant
correlated errors with another item (to stop me from
acting out ide as of killing myself). This item was also
removed from the model. The fit of the final model
was deemed satisfactory (χ
2
(183) = 231.98, p = .008; χ
2
/
df = 1.2 7; CFI = .91; R MSEA = .05). All the items in
the final model had significant path estimates (stan-
dardized f actor loadings are presented in Table 1 ).
This model also yielded significant correlations be-
tween each fac tors (see Table 2). G reater NSSI fre-
quency wa s related to higher scores on each function
factor (rs=.24.29, p < .05), except for the Exte rnal
Emotion Regulation factor (r =.11, p >.05).
Confirmatory factor analysis of addictive features
Ninety one of ninety four participants completed the
Addictive Features items. The same analytic strategy as
described previously for the function items was con-
ducted on the seven Addictive Features items of the
OSI. The fit of the model was deemed satisfactory
(χ
2
(14) = 21.96, p > .05; χ
2
/df = 1.57; CFI = .96; RMSEA
= .08). All the items had significant path estimates,
ranging between .52 and .80 (standardize d factor
loadings are presented in Table 3). Cronbachsalpha
for the Addictive Features scale was .84 with a mean
score of 16.22 ( SD = 6.90).
Higher Addictive Features scores were related to more
frequent NSSI (r = .48, p < .001). In addition, no signifi-
cant correlation wa s found between the Addictive
Features factor and feeling of physical pain when self-
injuring (r = .05, p > .0 5). Lastly, significant positive
correlations between the Addictive Features factor
and each of the obtained function factors of the OSI
were obtained (rs=.30.4 4, p <.01).
Table 1 Standardized factor loadings and descriptive statistics for NSSI function factors
Motivations Internal Emotion
Regulation
Social
Influence
External Emotion
Regulation
Sensation
Seeking
To produce a sense of being real when I feel
numb and unreal
.64
To relieve feelings of sadness or feeling down .63
To distract me from unpleasant memories .62
To punish myself .60
To stop feeling alone and empty .56
To experience physical pain in one area, when
the other pain I feel is unbearable
.56
To stop me from acting out ideas of killing myself .50
To stop my parents from being angry at me .56
To stop people from expecting so much from me .55
To change my body image and/or appearance .53
To show others how hurt or damaged I am .50
To avoid getting in trouble for something I did .46
To get out of doing something that I dont
want to do
.38
To belong to a group .29
To release frustration .89
To release anger .80
To release unbearable tension. .62
To experience a high like a drug high .71
To provide a sense of excitement that feels
exhilarating
.69
For sexual excitement .31
To prove to myself how much I can take .26
α .78 .66 .82 .53
Mean scores (SD) 17.78 (7.11) 5.47 (4.93) 8.62 (3.49) 3.69 (3.39)
Nixon et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (2015) 9:26 Page 4 of 7
Discussion
The current study provides additional support for the psy-
chometric properties of the OSIsfunctionsandAddictive
Features scales in a clinical sample of adolescents. The ori-
ginal factor structure obtained in a university sample [16]
was confirmed. The four-factor model (Internal Emotion
Regulation, Social Influence, External Emotion Regulation,
and Sensation Seeking) of NSSI functions and the single
Addictive Features factor were replicated in this clinical
sample, with few exceptions. Within the Internal Emotion
Regulation factor, the item to stop me from thinking about
ideas of killing myself had significant correlated errors
with the item to stop me from acting out ideas of killing
myself. This is not a surprising finding as the two items
are connected when there is active planning of a suicide
attempt, in that experiencing suicidal ideation commonly
precedes the act of suicide. Under the Social Influence
factor there were two items that did not have significant
path estimates (i.e., did not relate significantly to their
factor), namely, to diminish feelings of sexual arousal
and to get care and attention from other people. It is
unclear why this would be, however, these items may be
under-reported or less commonly reported in adolescent
inpatients. Inpatient samples have typically higher rates
and frequency of NSSI [21] and are likely to have func-
tions endorsed related to managing symptoms associated
with major mental health disorders such as mood and
anxiety problems. Additional research is recommended to
investigate this further.
Convergent evidence was found for scores on both
functions and Addictive Features on the OSI through
significant correlations with theoretical and empirical
constructs. Specifically, greater NSSI frequency was re-
lated to higher scores on each function factor, except for
the External Emotion Regulation factor. This finding fur-
ther supports the notion that frequent NSSI can be both
negatively (Internal Emotional Regulation) and positively
(Sensation Seeking) reinforcing in a clinical sample as
previously found in a non clinical population [16]. The
mean score in this clinical sample was double that ob-
tained in the university sample (16.22 vs 8.05) indicating
that the measure is sensitive enough to detect differ-
ences between samples. These finding s indicate that
clinical samples might have more addictive features of
NSSI than community samples however further research
is required.
An interesting finding is that Social Influence as a
function factor was correlated with frequency of NSSI in
this clinical sample while this was not the case in Martin
and colleagues [16], where the population was somewhat
older and also community based. There may be several
reasons for this finding. Firstly, adolescents as opposed
to young adults are expected to have fewer and less de-
veloped coping strategies [22]. Second, the adolescent
period is particularly stressful in regards to interpersonal
issues, more spe cifically the impact of peer influence
and peer victimization including online bullying [23].
Thirdly, clinical samples typically have greater frequency
of NSSI than non-clinical samples and triggers or rea-
sons for NSSI such as social influence factors are likely
to also be reinforces of the behaviour leading to more
frequent NSSI.
There are several study limitations that should be
mentioned. First and foremost, the sample size limit s
generalizability of the results and research should repli-
cate these findings with large samples. Second, there
were fewer males than females who participated in the
study. However, the gende r proportions obtained are
representative of the ratio of females to males admitted
to adolescent inpatient care [2, 8]. Further research on
Table 3 Standardized factor loadings and descriptive statistics
for NSSI Addictive Features
Items Addictive
Features
The self-injurious behaviour occurs more
often than intended?
.64
The severity in which the self-injurious
behaviour occurs has increased
(e.g., deeper cuts, more extensive
parts of your body)?
.80
If the self-injurious behaviour produced
an effect when started, you now need
to self-injure more frequently or with
greater intensity to produce the
same effect?
.74
This behaviour or thinking about it
consumes a significant amount of
your time (e.g., planning and thinking
about it, collecting and hiding sharp
\objects, doing it and recovering from it)?
.60
Despite a desire to cut down or control
this behaviour, you are
unable to do so?
.68
You continue this behaviour despite
recognizing that it is harmful to you
physically and/or emotionally?
.59
Important social, family, academic
or recreational activities are given
up or reduced because of this behaviour?
.52
α .84
Mean scores (SD) 16.22 (6.90)
Table 2 Intercorrelations between the function factors
12 3 4
1. Internal Emotion Regulation - .68*** .90*** -.76***
2. Social Influence - .44*** -.87***
3. External Emotion Regulation - -.59***
4. Sensation Seeking -
Note. *** p < .001
Nixon et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (2015) 9:26 Page 5 of 7
males in clinical populations who engage in NSSI is
required. Third, as this was a secondary analysis of sur-
vey data obtained from a clinical sample, we were unable
to fully explore convergent and discriminant validity
with the data being limited to what was obtained in the
original sample [3].
Conclusions
This current study provides additional support for the
psychometric properties of the OSIs functions and
Addictive Features scales. Further research on larger
clinical and community samples is warranted. Clinicians
can use a self report method that is comprehensive and
validated in an adolescent clinical population. In a recent
study of adolescents with self harm [4], the investigators
found that self repor t was able to detect previously un-
detected NSSI in a clinical setting, suggesting that while
self report questionnaires do not replace clinical assess-
ment, they may enha nce detection rates in youth. While
the purpose of this study was to confirm a preliminary
factor analysis, further research clinically in terms of en-
hancing detection is indicated.
Several recent studies [24, 25] have reviewed treatment
interventions that show promise in youth with NSSI. As
Brent and colleagues [25] emphasize in their summary,
results for both suicide attempts and NSSI should be
reported separately. An assessment tool such as the OSI
could give both baseline and outcome information spe-
cifically on NSSI and its associated functions and fea-
tures. Ougrin and colleagues [24] in their systematic
review and meta analysis of therapeutic interventions for
suicide attempts and self harm in adolescents indicate
that that largest effect sizes are for dialectical behavior
therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and
mentalization based therapy (MBT), but that no modal-
ity has had its efficacy independently replicated. They
highlight that research is lacking in indentifying variables
that are most important to match youths with NSSI and
their families to inte rventions that may have the most
benefit. With the ability to assess functions based on
four factors (Internal Emotion Regulation, Social Influ-
ence, External Emotion Regulation, and Sensation Seek-
ing) and the extent of Addictive Features, the OSI may
assist in selecting more specific treatment modalities.
For example, for those with the Internal Emotional
Regulation function most highly endorsed, assessment
for mood and anxiety disorders would be important and
the components of DBT and or CBT may be most indi-
cated whe reas those with the Social Influence function
most highly endorsed and related attachment issues
MBT may be more beneficial. For those with significant
Addictive Features endorsed, managing treatment expec-
tations and using a harm reduction approach with
motivational interviewing may be most helpful. More
research in these areas is needed as the treatment of
NSSI in youth continues to lack standardized a ssess -
ment and knowledge about what might be the most
effective treatment s depending on the nature of the
behavior [26].
Measure
The OSI can be downloaded free of charge if used for
public institutions and for research purposes at http://
www.insync-group.ca/publications/OSI_clinical_Octo-
ber_20051.pdf (Additional file 1).
Additional file
Additional file 1: The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory.
Abbreviations
NSSI: Nonsuicidal self-injury; DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders; OSI: Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory; CFA: Confirmatory factor
analysis; SD: Standard deviation; RMSEA: Root Mean Square Error of
Approximation.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors contributions
MKN drafted the manuscript, conceived the design and study of secondary
analysis of data from existing clinical sample. CL performed the statistical
analyses and help draft the manuscript. MP conceive d and designed the
original study and help ed draft the manuscript. JV conceived and designed
the original study. PC helped draft and critically edit the manuscript. All
authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Author details
1
Queen Alexandra Centre for Childrens Health, 2400 Arbutus Rd, Victoria, BC
V8N 1V7, Canada.
2
University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa,
ON K1N 6 N5, Canada.
3
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences,
University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East Mackinnon 138, Guelph, ON N1G
2 W1, Canada.
4
Homewood Health Centre, 150 Delhi St, Guelph, ON N1E
6 K9, Canada.
5
Mental Health Research, Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario,
401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8 L1, Canada.
Received: 27 March 2015 Accepted: 10 June 2015
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... One more comprehensive model in understanding the functions of self-injury includes four behavioral functions, as well as addiction characteristics of self-injury [27][28][29]. The model comprises functions of Social Influence (attaining or changing something in social environment), Sensation Seeking (attaining feelings of, e.g., excitement), Internal Emotion Regulation (regulating internalized emotional experiences, e.g., sadness) and External Emotion Regulation (coping with emotions which could be externally expressed otherwise, e.g., anger) [27][28][29]. ...
... One more comprehensive model in understanding the functions of self-injury includes four behavioral functions, as well as addiction characteristics of self-injury [27][28][29]. The model comprises functions of Social Influence (attaining or changing something in social environment), Sensation Seeking (attaining feelings of, e.g., excitement), Internal Emotion Regulation (regulating internalized emotional experiences, e.g., sadness) and External Emotion Regulation (coping with emotions which could be externally expressed otherwise, e.g., anger) [27][28][29]. In adolescents, elevated frequency of self-injuring has been connected to elevated scores on all the functions apart from External Emotion Regulation, and addiction characteristics to an increased frequency of the behavior [27]. ...
... The model comprises functions of Social Influence (attaining or changing something in social environment), Sensation Seeking (attaining feelings of, e.g., excitement), Internal Emotion Regulation (regulating internalized emotional experiences, e.g., sadness) and External Emotion Regulation (coping with emotions which could be externally expressed otherwise, e.g., anger) [27][28][29]. In adolescents, elevated frequency of self-injuring has been connected to elevated scores on all the functions apart from External Emotion Regulation, and addiction characteristics to an increased frequency of the behavior [27]. In young people, elevated endorsement of External Emotion Regulation, Internal Emotion Regulation, Sensation Seeking, and addiction characteristics have been connected with an increased lifetime frequency of self-injurious behavior, more experiences of distress associated with urges to it and with recent selfinjury [29]. ...
Article
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Background Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and self-harm have been firmly linked in adults, but research on these associations in adolescents remains scarce. Additionally, the links between EMSs and functions of self-injury has not been previously studied in this age group. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of EMSs with self-harm thoughts and behavior, as well as with self-harm functions, among adolescents in specialized health care. Methods The participants were recruited from first-visit 12-22-year-old adolescent patients entering specialized mental health care or pediatric care. For 118 participants, complete data were available for the Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form 2-Extended (YSQ) when entering care and the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory Functions scale (OSI-F) one year later. YSQ was used to measure the participants’ EMSs and OSI-F their self-harm thoughts and behavior. The associations of EMSs and self-harm were investigated in three groups: no self-harm, self-harm thoughts only, and both self-harm thoughts and behavior. The associations of EMSs with self-injury behavior functions were assessed in four categories: Internal Emotional Regulation, External Emotional Regulation, Social Influence, and Sensation Seeking. Additionally, EMSs’ associations with addictive features of self-injury behavior were assessed. The magnitudes of effect sizes of differences between the self-harm groups were evaluated with Cliff’s Delta. The associations of EMSs with self-injury functions were analyzed with general linear modeling and with self-injury addictive features using logistic regression. Results The differences between the self-harm groups were significant for the majority of the EMSs. The stronger the EMSs were, the more severe the manifestations of self-harm. The effect sizes ranged from small to large depending on the EMS. Considering self-injury functions, Internal Emotional Regulation was associated with Self-Sacrifice EMS (p = 0.021), and External Emotional Regulation both with Abandonment (p = 0.040) and Unrelenting Standards (p = 0.012) EMSs. Being addicted to self-injury was associated with Abandonment (p = 0.043) and Dependence (p = 0.025) EMSs. Conclusions The present study shows that significant associations between EMSs and both self-harm thoughts and behavior exist also in adolescents. Stronger EMSs are linked to more severe self-harm. Knowledge of these associations may help to improve the understanding and treatment of adolescents suffering from self-harm.
... Addictive features of NSSI were evaluated via seven items which were derived from DSM-IV-TR criteria on substance dependence [23]. Three or more of these 7 items with scores greater than or equal to 2 indicate that an individual's NSSI behaviors are with the addictive features [24]. The OSI has been shown to be valid and reliable, with excellent internal consistency scores of 0.87 [12]. ...
... When faced with stressors and negative emotions, males prefer proactive problem-solving, while females prefer emotionally oriented coping strategies. Therefore, females may choose NSSI to alleviate negative emotions [24]. Moreover, males and females have a diverse propensity to become addicted to rewarding stimuli or activities. ...
... Consistent with previous studies, patients with addictive NSSI had a higher frequency of NSSI behaviors and were more likely to regulate negative emotions and interpersonal influence through NSSI behavior [24,35]. Interestingly, patients with addictive NSSI did not suffer more lifetime psychiatric disorders (depressive disorders, bipolar or related disorders, anxiety or fear-related disorders, and personality disorders) than those NSSI without addictive features in our sample. ...
Article
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Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an issue primarily of concern in adolescents and young adults. Recent literature suggests that persistent, repetitive, and uncontrollable NSSI can be conceptualized as a behavioral addiction. The study aimed to examine the prevalence of NSSI with addictive features and the association of this prevalence with demographic and clinical variables using a cross-sectional and case–control design. A total of 548 outpatients (12 to 22 years old) meeting the criteria for NSSI disorder of DSM-5 were enrolled and completed clinical interviews by 4 psychiatrists. NSSI with addictive features were determined by using a single-factor structure of addictive features items in the Ottawa self-injury inventory (OSI). Current suicidality, psychiatric diagnosis, the OSI, the revised Chinese Internet Addiction Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale were collected. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between risk factors and NSSI with addictive features. This study was conducted from April 2021 to May 2022. The mean age of participants was 15.93 (SD = 2.56) years with 418 females (76.3%), and the prevalence of addictive NSSI was 57.5% (n = 315). Subjects with addictive NSSI had a higher lifetime prevalence of nicotine and alcohol use, a higher prevalence of current internet addiction, suicidality, and alexithymia, and were more likely to have physical abuse/neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse than NSSI subjects without addictive features. Among participants with NSSI, the strongest predictors of addictive features of NSSI were female (OR = 2.405, 95% CI 1.512–3.824, p < 0.0001), alcohol use (OR = 2.179, 95% CI 1.378–3.446, p = 0.001), current suicidality (OR = 3.790, 95% CI 2.351–6.109, p < 0.0001), and psysical abuse in childhood (OR = 2.470, 95% CI 1.653–3.690, p < 0.0001). Nearly 3 out of 5 patients (12–22 years old) with NSSI met the criteria of NSSI with addictive features in this psychiatric outpatients sample. Our study demonstrated the importance of the necessity to regularly assess suicide risk, and alcohol use, as well as focus more on females and subjects who had physical abuse in childhood to prevent addictive NSSI.
... Exploratory factor analyses revealed four function factors (internal emotion regulation, social influence, external emotion regulation, and sensation seeking) and a single addictive features factor. The purpose of this report was to describe a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the functions and addictive scales of the Ottawa self-Injury inventory-functions (OSI-F) among gifted adolescents [10][11][12]. ...
... The results related to the correlation between the scales of addictive characteristics and the functions of self-injurious behaviors with different aspects of psychological disturbance, including depression, anxiety, and stress as well as with unintentional self-injurious behaviors and finally, different dimensions of psychological capital including self-Iranian Journal of PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY efficacy, resilience, hope, and optimism, confirmed the criterion validity of the OSI. In other words, by comparing the conceptual structure of the OSI with other self-injurious behavior measurement tools, various researchers emphasize that the OSI, on the one hand, provides the possibility of a comprehensive assessment of the study area of self-injurious behaviors among adolescents, and on the other hand, for conceptualization and the development of programs and intervention efforts related to the behavioral phenomenon of self-harm is of great importance [10][11][12]14]. The results of the research in this section, in line with the teachings of the empowerment-oriented approach to resilience, point out that poverty in coping resources and the lack of richness of psychological capital of adolescents are of great importance in clarifying and explaining their recourse to non-conformity coping methods in facing challenging situations [8,29,30]. ...
Article
Objectives Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an issue primarily of concern in adolescents and young adults. The Ottawa self-Injury inventory (OSI) is a self-report measure that offers a comprehensive assessment of NSSI, including the measurement of its functions and addictive features. Thus, this study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Ottawa self-Injury inventory-functions (OSI-F) for assessing NSSI for gifted adolescents. Methods In this correlational study, 350 gifted adolescents who were selected using the convenience sampling method, answered the OSI-F, the short version of the self-harm screening inventory for adolescents, the depression, anxiety and stress scale, and the psychological capital questionnaire. Results The results of confirmatory factor analysis in line with the results of other studies supported the factor structure consisting of four factors. The model showed significant correlations between factors (rs=0.55-0.75, p<0.001). The results of the confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the factor structure of the addictive characteristics of self-injurious behaviors. All the items had significant path estimates (0.42 to 0.83). Cronbach’s alpha for factors of internal emotional regulation, social influence, external emotional regulation, and sensation seeking in the scale of self-injurious behavior functions was equal to 0.86, 0.87, 0.64, and 0.72, respectively, and for the scale of addictive characteristics was 0.87. Convergent validity of scales of functions and addictive characteristics of self-injurious behavior was obtained through the relationship with scores in scales of anxiety, depression, stress, and deliberate self-injurious behaviors, as well as psychological capital factors. Conclusion Results showed preliminary psychometric support for the OSI as a valid and reliable assessment tool to be used in both research and clinical contexts.
... The demographic information of the four groups is presented in Table 1 . . . Non-suicidal self-injury and suicide behaviors history and characteristics The Ottawa Self-injury Inventory was used to assess the lifetime and latest year NSSI history and its characteristics (39). Negative emotions induced all their NSSI behaviors, and the primary purpose of the behaviors was to aid emotional dysregulation. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background This study aimed to objectively evaluate the severity of impulsivity [behavior inhibitory control (BIC) impairment] among adolescents with depression. In particular, those involved in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors, compared with those engaged in suicidal behaviors and adolescents without any self-injury behavior, using event-related potentials (ERPs) and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) within the two-choice oddball paradigm. Methods Participants with a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) engaged in repetitive NSSI for five or more days in the past year ( n = 53) or having a history of at least one prior complete suicidal behavior ( n = 31) were recruited in the self-injury group. Those without self-injury behavior were recruited in the MDD group ( n = 40). They completed self-report scales and a computer-based two-choice oddball paradigm during which a continuous electroencephalogram was recorded. The difference waves in P3d were derived from the deviant minus standard wave, and the target index was the difference between the two conditions. We focused on latency and amplitude, and time-frequency analyses were conducted in addition to the conventional index. Results Participants with self-injury, compared to those with depression but without self-injury, exhibited specific deficits in BIC impairment, showing a significantly larger amplitude. Specifically, the NSSI group showed the highest value in amplitude and theta power, and suicidal behavior showed a high value in amplitude but the lowest value in theta power. These results may potentially predict the onset of suicide following repetitive NSSI. Conclusion These findings contribute to substantial progress in exploring neuro-electrophysiological evidence of self-injury behaviors. Furthermore, the difference between the NSSI and suicide groups might be the direction of prediction of suicidality.
... In this sample, Cronbach's alpha of BAI and BDI are 0.938 and 0.947, respectively. For NSSI adolescents, NSSI-related information was accessed using the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) (30). NSSI The theoretical model. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) severely challenges mental health in adolescents. Childhood maltreatment experience acts as high-risk factor for adolescents to engage in NSSI behaviors. On the other hand, impulsivity or loss of control sets the threshold for NSSI execution. Here we examined the effects of childhood maltreatment on adolescent NSSI-related clinical outcomes and the potential role of impulsivity. Methods: We assessed the clinical data of 160 hospitalized NSSI adolescents and recruited 64 age-matched healthy subjects as a control group. The clinical symptoms of NSSI are expressed by the NSSI frequency, depression, and anxiety measured by the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Childhood maltreatment and impulsivity were assessed with Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Results: The results showed that when compared to HC group, NSSI group is more likely to experience childhood maltreatment. Notably, NSSI group with Childhood maltreatment accompanies higher trait impulsivity and exacerbated clinical outcomes, such as NSSI frequency, depression and anxiety symptoms. Mediation analyses indicated that the association between childhood maltreatment and NSSI-related clinical outcomes was partially explained by impulsivity. Conclusion: We found that NSSI adolescents have a higher proportion of childhood maltreatment. Impulsivity plays a mediating role between childhood maltreatment and NSSI behaviors.
... Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI; Nixon et al, 2015) is a 31-item self-report measure of the occurrence, motivation level, and frequency of self-injury rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 (never) to 4 (always). We used the Persian version with strong validity and reliability (Namazi et al.,2019). ...
Article
Full-text available
Harmful consequences of COVID-19, such as prolonged quarantine, lack of social contact, and especially loss of parents or friends, can negatively impact children and adolescents' mental health in diverse ways, including engendering posttraumatic stress symptoms. Our study is the first to compare the transdiagnostic Unified Protocol for the Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (UP-A; Ehrenreich et al., 2009; Ehrenreich-May et al., 2017) with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in terms of outcomes related to PTSD symptoms (COVID-19-related vs. COVID-19 unrelated PTSD) and comorbid symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression) and other measures (i.e., emotion regulation, self-injury, anger). Individuals diagnosed with PTSD were randomly assigned to the UP-A (n = 46) or TF-CBT group (n = 47), administered the SCID-5 and a battery of measures and followed up posttreatment and then after 3, 6, and 9 months. Ninety-three adolescents with PTSD were enrolled, 45% boys and 61% COVID-19-related PTSD. We adopted an intention-to-treat approach. At the initial post-intervention assessment, except for emotion regulation and unexpressed angry feelings, in which UP-A participants reported greater reductions, no significant differences in other variables were secured between the UP-A and TF-CBT. However, at follow-up assessments, the UP-A evidenced significantly better outcomes than TF-CBT. We found support for the UP-A compared with TF-CBT in treating adolescents with PTSD, regardless of COVID-19-related PTSD status, in maintaining treatment effectiveness over time.
... The text in the main complaint, history of present illness, and psychiatric interview were pooled to generate a term dictionary in which we searched for terms related to self-harm without suicidal intent (31, 32). A portion of the search terms were extracted from the Chinese version of the Ottawa Self-Injury Scale (33), and additional terms were selected from the term dictionary, which indicate self-harm or suicide attempt (Supplementary Table S1 lists all search terms). Records matching at least one of the search terms were identified as representing self-harm behavior. ...
Article
Full-text available
Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about child and adolescent mental health issues, such as self-harm. The impact of society-wide isolation on self-harming behaviors among adolescents in China is unclear. In addition, adolescents of different ages and sexes have varying abilities to cope with environmental changes. However, these differences are rarely considered in self-harm studies. We aimed to characterize the age- and sex-dependent effects of COVID-19-related society-wide isolation on self-harm among adolescents in East China. Methods We collected 63,877 medical records of children and adolescents aged 8–18 who had an initial visit to Shanghai Mental Health Center in China between 2017 and 2021 and charted annual self-harm rates for each age and sex. Using interrupted time series analysis, we modeled global and seasonal trends and the effect of COVID-19-related society-wide isolation on self-harm rates. Results Females aged 10–17 and males aged 13–16 exhibited significantly increasing trends in self-harm rate ( p fdr < 0.05) in the past 5 years. Eleven-year-old females in 2020 showed a self-harm rate (37.30%) that exceeded the peak among all ages in 2019 (age 13, 36.38%). The COVID-19-related society-wide isolation elevated self-harm rates in female patients aged 12 [RR 1.45 (95% CI 1.19–1.77); p fdr = 0.0031] and 13 years [RR 1.33 (95% CI 1.15–1.5); p fdr = 0.0031], while males were less affected. Further, females with emotional disorders dominated the increased self-harm rates. Conclusion Society-wide isolation has had a significant impact on early adolescent females in East China, especially for those with emotional disturbances, and has brought forward the peak in adolescent self-harm rates. This study calls for attention to the risk of self-harm in early adolescents.
Article
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Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with an increased risk of suicide. As the diagnostic criteria outlined in DSM-5 and other related clinical studies, a patient must have engaged in self-injurious behavior at least 5 times within the past year. However, patients with fewer than 5 self-injury behaviors should not be ignored. Our study included 46 adolescents aged 10–19 years with subthreshold NSSI (sNSSI), along with a control group of 50 healthy adolescents matched for age and other factors. We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data and stool samples. The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory and Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory were used to evaluate self-harm behaviors and addictive features. Local brain activity was assessed using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), and brain regions with abnormal fALFF were selected as seeds for whole-brain functional connectivity analysis. Stool samples were identified using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, and the LDA Effect Size method was used to explore significant differences between grouped samples. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate the brain–gut axis mechanisms of addictive features in sNSSI. We found that compared with healthy controls, sNSSI patients have abnormal fALFF in left thalamus and posterior cingulate cortex, dysconnectivities of left thalamus, and decreased Prevotellaceae. Our results suggested that addictive features of sNSSI may have a brain–gut mechanism. Furtherly, patients with 1–4 NSSI behaviors in the past year should have separate name for identification, such as “subthreshold NSSI”.
Article
Background: Repetitive nonsuicidal self-injury (R-NSSI) is a growing concern in adolescents and is associated with various mental health problems. However, little is known about the potential psychology and addiction mechanisms of R-NSSI in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of emotion dysregulation and maladaptive cognitive schemas based on the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model and the integrated model of NSSI among adolescents who repeatedly engage in NSSI. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in two waves with 6-month lags. A total of 3925 adolescents (Mage = 13.22 ± 0.86 years, 42 % female) were recruited from three middle schools. Relevant questionnaires were used to evaluate stressful life events, emotion dysregulation, maladaptive cognitive schemas, NSSI, and NSSI addictive features. The structural equation modeling approach was conducted separately for adolescents who engaged in occasional NSSI (O-NSSI) and those who engaged in R-NSSI. Results: Results showed that emotion dysregulation played a significant mediating role in the associations between stressful life events and NSSI frequency, and both maladaptive cognitive schemas and emotion dysregulation played a significant mediating role in the associations between stressful life events and NSSI addictive features in adolescents who engaged in R-NSSI but not in those who engaged in O-NSSI. Limitations: The main limiting factor is self-reported data. Conclusions: These findings contribute to the understanding of the psychological and addictive mechanisms involved in R-NSSI. Both emotion dysregulation and maladaptive cognitive schemas could be a suitable therapeutic target to reduce R-NSSI in the context of stress during adolescence.
Article
Background: Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are at a substantial risk of harm to themselves and others, experience high levels of functional impairment and typically are high users of tertiary healthcare to address their mental health concerns. As indicators for BPD typically emerge in adolescence, a day therapy service in Bentley, Western Australia, Touchstone Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), was developed as an intensive intervention for adolescents with indicators for BPD and its associated symptomology. Touchstone utilizes mentalization-based therapy (MBT) in a therapeutic community setting, where the current study sought to document the anecdotal outcomes using the data provided at Touchstone, to enable a greater understanding of this treatment approach for adolescents with indicators for BPD. Method: Forty-six participants attended the Touchstone programme between 2015 and 2020. The programme involved 6 months of MBT (group and individual), occupational therapy, education and creative therapies. Measures of self-injury, mood and emergency department presentations were collected pre- and post-programme. Results: Results indicate that participants show a reduction in non-suicidal acts and thoughts, as well as a reduction in negative moods and feelings from pre-Touchstone to post-Touchstone. There is also a decrease in participant presentation to tertiary emergency departments for mental health concerns. Conclusions: The current study shows evidence for the efficacy of Touchstone as an MBT therapeutic community intervention to reduce symptoms of emerging BPD and effectively reduce presentations to emergency departments for mental health presentations, alleviating pressure on tertiary hospitals and reducing economic impact of adolescents within this demographic.
Article
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Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an issue primarily of concern in adolescents and young adults. Thus far, no single NSSI self-report measure offers a fully comprehensive assessment of NSSI, particularly including measurement of both its functions and potential addictive features. The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) permits simultaneous assessment of both these characteristics; the current study examined the psychometric properties of this measure in a sample of 149 young adults in a university student sample (82.6% girls, Mage = 19.43 years). Exploratory factor analyses revealed 4 functions factors (internal emotion regulation, social influence, external emotion regulation, and sensation seeking) and a single addictive features factor. Convergent evidence for the functions factor scores was demonstrated through significant correlations with an existing measure of NSSI functions and indicators of psychological well-being, risky behaviors, and context and frequency of NSSI behaviors. Convergent evidence was also shown for the addictive features scores, through associations with NSSI frequency, feeling relieved following NSSI, and inability to resist NSSI urges. Additional comment is made regarding the potential for addictive features of NSSI to be both negatively and positively reinforcing. Results show preliminary psychometric support for the OSI as a valid and reliable assessment tool to be used in both research and clinical contexts. The OSI can provide important information for case formulation and treatment planning, given the comprehensive and all-inclusive nature of its assessment capacities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).
Article
Suicidal behavior and self-harm are common in adolescents and are associated with elevated psychopathology, risk of suicide, and demand for clinical services. Despite recent advances in the understanding and treatment of self-harm and links between self-harm and suicide and risk of suicide attempt, progress in reducing suicide death rates has been elusive, with no substantive reduction in suicide death rates over the past 60 years. Extending prior reviews of the literature on treatments for suicidal behavior and repetitive self-harm in youth, this article provides a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting efficacy of specific pharmacological, social, or psychological therapeutic interventions (TIs) in reducing both suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm in adolescents.Method Data sources were identified by searching the Cochrane, Medline, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and PubMed databases as of May 2014. RCTs comparing specific therapeutic interventions versus treatment as usual (TAU) or placebo in adolescents (through age 18) with self-harm were included.Results19 RCTs including 2,176 youth were analyzed. TIs included psychological and social interventions and no pharmacological interventions. The proportion of the adolescents who self-harmed over the follow-up period was lower in the intervention groups (28%) than in controls (33%), test for overall effect Z=2.31 (p=0.02). TIs with biggest effect sizes were dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mentalization-based therapy (MBT). There were no independent replications of efficacy of any TI. The pooled risk difference between TIs and TAU for suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-harm considered separately was not statistically significant.ConclusionTIs to prevent self-harm appear to be effective. Independent replication of the results achieved by DBT, MBT, and CBT is a research priority.
Article
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of self-harm and the psychosocial factors associated with self-harming behaviours in youth admitted to an in-patient psychiatric unit. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys of standardized measures were administered to youth and a separate survey to their caregivers while the youth were in hospital. Results: The mean age of the 123 youth who participated was 15.74 (SD 1.51) years, and 90 of 121 (74.38%) reported being female. Of the 115 who completed this question, 101 (87.83%) indicated that they thought of injuring themselves and 89 (77.39%) did engage in NSSI within the past month, and 78 of 116 (67%) reported that they had made an attempt to take their life. Youth who reported that they had attempted suicide (lifetime) reported significantly less difficulty with emotion regulation than youth who engaged in NSSI only, or both NSSI and suicide attempts. Conclusions: These youth reported a very high prevalence of self-harm, and in general substantial difficulty with regulating their emotions, and difficulty with their interpersonal relationships. The psychosocial distinctions evident between groups may have practical utility.
Article
To review the studies that test treatments targeting adolescent suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, or self-harm, and to make recommendations for future intervention development. The extant randomized clinical trials that aim to reduce the intensity of suicidal ideation or the recurrence of suicide attempts or self-harm were reviewed with respect to treatment components, comparison treatments, sample composition, and outcomes. The majority of studies that showed any effect on suicidal ideation, attempts, or self-harm had some focus on family interactions or nonfamilial sources of support. Two of the most efficacious interventions also provided the greatest number of sessions. Some other treatment elements associated with positive effects include addressing motivation for treatment and having explicit plans for integrating the experimental treatment with treatment as usual. In many studies, suicidal events tend to occur very early in the course of treatment prior to when an effective "dose" of treatment could be delivered. Important factors that might mitigate suicidal risk, such as sobriety, healthy sleep, and promotion of positive affect, were not addressed in most studies. Interventions that can front-load treatment shortly after the suicidal crisis, for example, while adolescent suicide attempters are hospitalized, may avert early suicidal events. Treatments that focus on the augmentation of protective factors, such as parent support and positive affect, as well as the promotion of sobriety and healthy sleep, may be beneficial with regard to the prevention of recurrent suicidal ideation, attempts, or self-harm in adolescents.