ArticlePDF Available

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

Authors:

Abstract and Figures

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.
Content may be subject to copyright.
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
References
1. Jacobson CM, Gould M. The epidemiology and phenomenology of non-
suicidal self-injurious behavior among adolescents: a critical review of the
literature. Arch Suicide Res. 2007;11:12947.
2. Nock MK, Prinstein MJ. A functional approach to the assessment of self-
mutilative behavior. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2004;72:88590.
3. Preyde M, Vanderkooy J, Chevalier P, Heintzman J, Warne A, Barrick K. The
psychosocial characteristics associated with NSSI and suicide attempt of
youth admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. J Can Acad Child
Adolescents Psychiatry. 2014;23:10011.
4. Ougrin D, Boege I. Brief report: The self-harm questionnaire: A new tool
designed to improve identification of self-harm in adolescents. Journal of
Adolescence. 2013;doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.09.006
5. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.
6. Suyemoto KL. The functions of self-mutilation. Clin Psychol Rev.
1998;18:53154.
7. Klonsky D. The functions of deliberate self-injury: a review of the evidence.
Clin Psychol Rev. 2007;27:22639.
Nixon et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (2015) 9:26 Page 6 of 7
8. Nixon MK, Cloutier PF, Aggarwal S. Affect regulation and addictive aspects
of repetitive self-injury in hospitalized adolescents. J Am Academy of Child
and Adolescents Psychiatry. 2002;41:133341.
9. Nock MK. Why do people hurt themselves? New insights into the nature
and functions of self-injury. Current Directions in Psychological Science.
2009; doi:10.1111/j.14678721.2009.01613.x
10. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of
mental disorders. 4th ed. ext. rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric
Association; 2000.
11. Victor SE, Glenn CR, Klonsky ED. Is non-suicidal self-injury an addiction?
A comparison of craving in substance use and non-suicidal self-injury.
Psychiatry Research. 2013;doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2011.12.011.
12. Cloutier PF, Humphreys L. Measurement of self-injury in adolescents. In:
Nixon MK, Heath NL, editors. Self-injury in youth: the essential guide to
assessment and intervention. New York, NY: Routledge Press; 2009.
p. 11542.
13. Klonsky D, Weinberg A. Assessment of nonsuicidal self-injury. In: Nock MK,
editor. Understanding non suicidal self-injury: origins, assessment, and
treatment. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association;
2009. p. 18399.
14. Klonsky ED, Glenn CR. Assessing the functions of non-suicidal self-injury:
Psychometric properties of the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injuiry
(ISAS). J Psychopathol Behav Assess. 2009. doi:10.1007/s10862-008-9107-z.
15. Lloyd EE, Kelley ML, Hope T. Self-mutilation in a community sample of
adolescents: Descriptive characteristics and provisional prevalence rates.
Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Behavioural
Medicine, New Orleans; 1997.
16. Martin J, Cloutier PF, Levesque C, Bureau J-F, Lafontaine M-F, Nixon, MK.
Psychometric properties of the functions and addictive features scales of
the Ottawa Self-injury Inventory: A preliminary investigation using a university
aged sample. Psychological Assessment. 2013;doi: 10.1037/a0032575.
17. IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS for Windows. Version 21.0. Armonk, NY:
IBM Corp.
18. Arbuckle JL. Amos (Version 20.0) [Computer software]. Chicago: IBM SPSS;
2011.
19. Tabachnick BG, Fidell LS. Using multivariate statistics. 5th ed. Boston: Allyn &
Bacon; 2007.
20. Byrne BM. Structural equation modeling with AMOS: basic concepts,
applications, and programming. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge; 2010.
21. Heath N, Schaub K, Holly S, Nixon M. Self-injury today. Review of population
and clinical studies in adolescents. In: Nixon MK, Heath NL, editors.
Self-injury in yout h: th e essential guide to asses sment and intervention.
New York, NY: Routledge Press; 2009. p. 927.
22. Seiffge-Krenke I, Beyers W. Coping trajectories from adolescence to young
adulthood: links to attachment state of mind. Journal of Research on
Adolescence. 2005;doi:10.1111/j.1532-7795.2005.00111.x.
23. Hinduja S, Patchin JW. Social influences on cyberbullying behaviors among
middle and high school students. J Youth Adolesc. 2013;42:71122.
24. Ougrin D, Tranah T, Stahl D, Moran P, Asarnow JR. Therapeutic interventions
for suicide attempts and self-Harm in adolescents: Systematic review and
meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry. 2015;doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2014.10.009
25. Brent DA, McMakin DL, Kennard BD, Goldstein TR, Mayes TL, Douaihy AB.
Protecting adolescents from self-harm: A critical review of intervention
studies. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
2013;doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2013.09.009.
26. Washburn J, Richardt SL, Styer DM, Gebhardt M, Juzwin KR, Yourek A,
Aldridge D. Psychotheratpeutic approaches to non-suicidal self-injury in
adolescents. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health. 2012;
doi:10.1186/1753-2000-6-14
Submit your next manuscript to BioMed Central
and take full advantage of:
Convenient online submission
Thorough peer review
No space constraints or color figure charges
Immediate publication on acceptance
Inclusion in PubMed, CAS, Scopus and Google Scholar
Research which is freely available for redistribution
Submit your manuscript at
www.biomedcentral.com/submit
Nixon et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (2015) 9:26 Page 7 of 7
... NSSI behavior includes a series of factors, such as NSSI ideation, NSSI frequency, NSSI motivation, and repetitive NSSI (Nixon et al., 2015). In recent years, repetitive NSSI has been regarded as crucial to NSSI among adolescents and has been conceptualized as an "addictive behavior" (Guérin-Marion et al., 2018). ...
... In recent years, repetitive NSSI has been regarded as crucial to NSSI among adolescents and has been conceptualized as an "addictive behavior" (Guérin-Marion et al., 2018). At present, behavioral measurements of NSSI in adolescents have described addictive NSSI as an independent feature of NSSI, and the most widely used measurement tool is the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) (Nixon et al., 2015). The OSI's addiction characteristics item is derived from the DSM-IV-TR substance dependence criteria (Guérin-Marion et al., 2018). ...
... The potential reason for the gender difference in addictive NSSI may be linked to the higher prevalence of mood disorders (such as anxiety and depression) in female adolescents (Li et al., 2022). When facing stressors or negative emotions, however, females are more likely to adopt emotion-oriented coping strategies to relieve negative emotions, and addictive NSSI is one of the main choices (Nixon et al., 2015). However, the network comparison test did not reveal any network differences related to gender among childhood maltreatment, anxiety, and addictive NSSI. ...
Article
Full-text available
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents is becoming a widespread health issue. Recent studies have suggested that repetitive NSSI is crucial in NSSI adolescents and can be conceptualized as an “addictive behavior.” The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the network relationships among child maltreatment, anxiety, and addictive NSSI in adolescents. In total, 542 adolescents (14.07 ± 2.15 years old, 18.6% males) with NSSI behavior completed the related questionnaires. Two types of psychometric approaches were used to analyze the data. First, the network analysis showed that emotional abuse (Expected Influence: 1.20) had the most central role among the networks, and the edges of emotional abuse–anxiety (weight: 0.25), emotional abuse-addictive NSSI (weight: 0.20), and anxiety–addictive NSSI (weight: 0.19) showed stronger positive associations of trans-symptom edges. Second, the network comparison test was used to examine the network differences between the male and female groups; however, no network differences were found. Overall, among all types of childhood maltreatment, our results suggest that emotional abuse should be more emphasized to prevent long-term mental adverse outcomes and addictive NSSI, and that anxiety may also mediate emotional abuse and addictive NSSI in NSSI adolescents.
... However, for adolescents in the community who participated in this study, items related to responsibility avoidance, such as "to prevent others from being angry with me" or "to get out of doing something I don't want to do, " which corresponded to negative social reinforcement in the initial questionnaire, were removed during exploratory factor analysis. In addition, all items related to peer bonding (e.g., to fit in with friends and others) were removed, resulting in a social factor that is different from Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM) [9] and Ottawa Self-injury inventory (OSI ) [28] and similar to the "communicating with/influencing others" factor of SIMS-A [27]. ...
... Conversely, the third factor of self-injury motivation identified in this study is "sensation seeking, " which is classified as a separate factor of intrapersonal motivations for NSSI, such as NSSI to achieve excitement or pleasure. In OSI [28], three of the four factors constituting self-injury motivation were related to intrapersonal factors, which was in line with the separation of "sensation seeking" as a separate factor in this study. This seemed to reflect the demographic characteristics of the adolescent group. ...
... The fourth factor of self-injury motivation identified in this study is "anti-suicide, " which refers to the desire to stop thoughts and urges of suicide through NSSI. This factor was absent from FASM [9], included as a component of "emotion regulation" in OSI [28], and a single item and as a component of "psychosea/lack of insight" in SIMS-A [27]. South Korea has the highest suicide rate in the OECD, with 2020 statistics showing a rate of 24.1 suicides per 100,000 people, more than double the OECD average of 11.1 [29]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury among South Korean adolescents has increased significantly, requiring academic attention. This methodological study aims to develop a non-suicidal self-injury motivation scale for adolescents and evaluate its validity and reliability. Methods In the first phase of scale development, the factors constituting self-injury motivation were identified through a literature review and analysis of online counseling data from self-injuring adolescents. In the second phase, 45 initial preliminary items were derived based on the identified factors, and 38 preliminary items were selected through content validation by experts. In the scale validation phase, the survey was conducted using 38 items. Data were collected from adolescents with a history of self-injury, using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) involving 715 participants and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) involving 537 participants. The EFA involved 27.0% male and 73.0% female participants, with a mean age of 16.83 years, and the CFA involved 20.7% male and 79.3% female participants, with a mean age of 16.15 years. The data collected were tested for validity and reliability using SPSS 28.0 and M-plus. Results The EFA yielded four factors and 24 items. The factors were named interpersonal influence, emotion regulation, sensation seeking, and anti-suicide, and the scale had an explanatory power of 55.8%. In the CFA, the fit of the 23-item model after deleting one item with low standardized factor loadings was x² = 1081.52 (p < .001), CFI = 0.829, RMSEA = 0.084, and SRMR = 0.075, confirming the acceptability of the self-injury motivation scale for adolescents. The scale evaluation results for convergent validity and discriminant validity met the criteria. The reliability test results showed that the overall reliability (Cronbach’s α) was 0.88, and the reliability (Cronbach’s α) of each factor was 0.89 for interpersonal influence, 0.83 for emotion regulation, 0.63 for sensation seeking, and 0.80 for anti-suicide, satisfying internal consistency. Conclusion In this study, the self-injury motivation scale for adolescents in the community comprised four factors and 23 items. The scale can be used to examine self-injury motivation among adolescents in the community and to develop self-injury prevention intervention programs.
... The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory [19] (OSI) is a self-report inventory that provides a comprehensive assessment of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and includes both NSSI's functions and addictive features as well as additional NSSI features. It contains quantitative (dichotomous, categorical, and continuous) and qualitative (open-ended) items. ...
... The addictive features of NSSI, characterized by having lost control over the use of NSSI, having built up a notable tolerance to NSSI, and participating in NSSI despite negative consequences [25], were found in 44% of participants in the sample. The mean score for Craving (C) was higher in the present study than in the non-clinical university population [20] and slightly lower than in studies with clinical samples [19], which is consistent with data suggesting that clinical samples may exhibit more addictive features of NSSI than community samples [19]. ...
... The addictive features of NSSI, characterized by having lost control over the use of NSSI, having built up a notable tolerance to NSSI, and participating in NSSI despite negative consequences [25], were found in 44% of participants in the sample. The mean score for Craving (C) was higher in the present study than in the non-clinical university population [20] and slightly lower than in studies with clinical samples [19], which is consistent with data suggesting that clinical samples may exhibit more addictive features of NSSI than community samples [19]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background and Objectives: Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), by definition, excludes suicidal intent, numerous studies show associations between NSSI and suicidal phenomena in clinical and outpatient adolescent samples. Given the growing interest in the relationship between NSSI and suicidal phenomena, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between NSSI and suicidal beliefs in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 50 adolescent inpatients at a specialized facility, with a mean age of 15.44 ± 1.39, who fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for NSSI. For study purposes, we use the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) and Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale (B-SCS). Statistical data processing was performed in the R software 4.3.0 (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). Results: Of all NSSI functions, the Internal ER function score was the highest (18.72 ± 7.08), followed by External ER (8.10 ± 3.11), Social Influence (5.88 ± 5.37), and Sensation Seeking (3.44 ± 2.98). The mean Craving (C) score was 14.06 ± 7.51. The mean value of the B-SCS score was 19.54 ± 5.24. It was found that the B-SCS score is significantly related to Internal ER (r = 0.441, p < 0.001) and Craving (r = 0.297, p = 0.036). The multivariable model shows that internal ER function and participants’ age are significantly related to the B-SCS score. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of the study, it is emphasized that cognitions occurring across the fluid suicidal belief system alone do not fully capture the complexity of suicide, but assessing the suicidal belief system in NSSI inpatient adolescents could nevertheless provide helpful information for identifying individuals who may have an elevated vulnerability to experiencing suicidal ideas and behaviors over time.
... Our primary analyses did not use the proposed OSI-F four-factor structure as it has not been validated across gender groups. However, we referred to the OSI-F four-factor structure (Martin et al., 2013;Nixon et al., 2015) in cases of item categorization ambiguity. No statistical analyses were carried out to inform function grouping. ...
... For the sake of clarity, the Intrapersonal domain sexuality was added to capture two items pertaining to sexual arousal/excitement which were not a subject of Klonsky's research (2007Klonsky's research ( , 2015 and load onto separate OSI-F factors (with low factor loadings) in the four-factor model (Martin et al., 2013;Guérin-Marion et al., 2018). Additionally, the Social domain body image was added to categorise the single item "to change my body image and/or appearance" which loads onto the Social Influence factor of the OSI-F (Martin et al., 2013;Nixon et al., 2015), but was absent from Klonsky's models (2007Klonsky's models ( , 2015 and does not conceptually fit into the other domains presented here. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) can be motivated by a broad range of functions and many individuals report multiple reasons for self-injuring. Most NSSI research has involved predominantly female samples and few studies have examined gender similarities and differences in function endorsement. Methods We characterise the prevalence and versatility of NSSI functions within a gender-diverse online sample of cisgender women (cis-women; n = 280), cisgender men (cis-men; n = 176), and transgender, non-binary, and other gender non-conforming young adults (TGNC; n = 80) age 18–30 (M = 23.73, SD = 3.55). The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI-F) assessed 24 intrapersonal and social functions across nine domains: affect regulation, self-punishment, anti-dissociation, anti-suicide, sensation seeking, sexuality, interpersonal influence, and body image. Results TGNC participants and cis-women were significantly more likely to report intrapersonally motivated NSSI and greater function versatility than cis-men. Low mood, emotional distress, suicidality, and trauma symptomology appeared to contribute to gender differences in function endorsement. Gender similarities also emerged; across groups, intrapersonal functions were substantially more common than social functions, and the most endorsed domains were affect regulation and self-punishment. No domains were gender specific. Limitations The OSI-F was developed from majority female samples and may not adequately capture the experiences of other gender groups. Conclusions Interventions which reduce distress and strengthen emotion regulation are likely to benefit individuals who self-injure regardless of gender. However, most individuals report multiple NSSI functions and person-centred interventions which address this complexity are needed. Future research should develop gender-informed treatment models which consider the unique experiences of TGNC individuals and cis-men who self-injure.
... The OSI is the primary assessment tool used to measure NSSI behaviors, including their functional and addictive characteristics [31]. After revision by Chen Hui and collaborators [32], the seven entries in the addiction section of the OSI were employed to assess the addictive features of the NSSI. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors pose a significant threat to the physical and psychological well-being of adolescents. Recent research suggests that persistent, uncontrollable and repetitive NSSI can be conceptualized as a behavioral addiction. The addictive feature of NSSI behavior can be assessed using Ottawa self-injury inventory (OSI), the higher addiction score indicates the more serious NSSI behavior. This study aims to explore the relationship of impulsivity and decision-making on the addictive features of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorder, to explore the influencing factors of behavioral addictive features of NSSI and to predict the addictive features of NSSI. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 126 adolescent outpatients and inpatients with a mean age of 15.49 years old (M = 15.49, SD = 1.56), male students (n = 28, 22.2%) and female students (n = 98, 77.8%) diagnosed with depressive disorders were recruited according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and clinical interviews were completed by two psychiatrists. NSSI addictive features according to the OSI’s addictive features items. The final group was categorized into three groups: depression without NSSI (n = 42), depression with NSSI without addictive features (n = 44), and depression with NSSI and addictive features (n = 40). The present study employed the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), Chinese Revised Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), OSI, and the Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Questionnaire (ANSSIQ). Cognitive decision-making abilities were assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results The depression with NSSI addictive features group had significantly lower total net scores and net scores of block3, block4, and block5 in the IGT than the depression without NSSI group, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the two in net scores of block1 and block2. Lower scores mean more unfavorable decisions and strategy adjustments. The addictive features of NSSI behaviors were significantly and positively correlated with the severity of NSSI behaviors, depression, and cognitive impulsiveness, and significantly and negatively correlated with the total net score of the IGT. The severity of NSSI behaviors, severity of depression, cognitive impulsiveness positively predicts the addictive features of NSSI behaviors, the total net score of the IGT negatively predicted the addictive features of NSSI behaviors. Conclusion Adolescents with depressive disorders with NSSI behavioral addictive features had higher severity of depression, exhibited higher cognitive impulsivity, and made more unfavorable decisions when making choices.
... Non-suicidal self-injury was assessed by Ottawa Self-injury Inventory [68]. This scale collected information of selfinjury behaviors of adolescents in the past 12 months without the purpose of suicide. ...
Article
Full-text available
Based on general strain theory, the current study examined whether bullying victimization was significantly related to adolescents’ non-suicidal self-injury and whether negation emotions mediated this association and submissive behavior moderated this mediation process. A total of 1,984 adolescents completed a series of anonymous questionnaires regarding bullying victimization, negative emotions, non-suicidal self-injury, and submissive behavior. Results showed that bullying victimization was significantly and positively associated with non-suicidal self-injury and this relation was partially mediated by negative emotions. Submissive behavior moderated the relation between bullying victimization and non-suicidal self-injury as well as negation emotions and non-suicidal self-injury. Specifically, the victims of bullying with high submissive behavior were more likely to develop non-suicidal self-injury. Adolescents who had higher negative emotions were at greater risk of engaging in non-suicidal self-injury when they also had high submissive behavior. The positive association between negative emotions and non-suicidal self-injury was stronger in females than males.
... OSI [19,20] is a self survey questionnaire with 28 items that fully evaluates and examines the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, motivational, and environmental aspects of NSSI.The results of OSI include quantitative ratings of self harm and qualitative motivational items, categorizing the main assumed motivational factors behind NSSI.To achieve our research objectives, we utilized the following projects: ...
Preprint
Full-text available
Background Melatonin(MT) rhythm disorders may be associated with depression and non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI).We conducted a controlled study to investigate whether patients with major depressive disorder(MDD)comorbid NSSI have more pronounced MT disorders, and whether MT levels are associated with NSSI perception and cessation. Methods A total of 100 samples were included in the study, including 30 healthy individuals as a normal control group and 70 patients with MDD.In the subgroup of MDD,there were 35 patients with NSSI(NSSI group) and 35 patients without NSSI (non-NSSI group).We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure the salivary MT levels (0AM, 8AM, 11AM, 1PM, 4PM, 10PM) of all participants at 6 time points. And use the Ottawa-Self- Injury Inventory (OSI) to quantitatively evaluate the self injury perception and motivation to stop self injury in patients in the NSSI group. Results The salivary MT levels in the NSSI group at 6 time points were significantly lower than those in the non- NSSI group and control group (P<0.05), and the circadian rhythm of MT in NSSI group disappeared.We found significant correlations between MT levels and several dimensions of NSSI,specifically: 1PM MT level and intrusive/invasive urge(r=0.487,P<0.05), 8AM MT levels and desire to stop NSSI(r=-0.427,P<0.05),11AM MT levels and desire to stop NSSI(r=-0.348,P<0.05). Conclusions The decrease in MT levels and disruption of circadian rhythms may increase the risk of NSSI in patients with MDD, but its mechanism needs further exploration.
... Second, there are few studies on the relationship between anxiety and NSSI behaviors. The existing studies have shown a significant correlation between anxiety and NSSI behavior (3,13,(38)(39)(40), with a higher level of anxiety leading to a higher probability of occurrence of NSSI behaviors. As a possible explanation, during the NSSI process, patients may adopt more dysfunctional ways to regulate their negative emotions and thus alleviate their anxiety; on the other hand, NSSI behaviors may exacerbate anxiety to some extent, leading to a vicious cycle that further intensifies negative emotions and NSSI behaviors (41,42). ...
Article
Full-text available
Objective Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become a common clinical problem that severely threatens the mental and physical health of Chinese adolescents. This study explores the mediation effects of NSSI functions on the relationship between anxiety and NSSI frequency among depressed Chinese adolescents as well as the sex differences in the mediating effects. Methods In this study, a cross-sectional survey method was used to obtain data of 1773 adolescent patients with major depressive disorders from over 20 specialized psychiatric hospitals across multiple provinces in China. A self-designed questionnaire for demographic information, the Chinese version of Functional Assessment of Self- Mutilation (C-FASM), and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were employed to investigate demographic data, NSSI frequency, NSSI functions, and anxiety and to analyze the mediating effects of NSSI functions on the association between anxiety and NSSI frequency among adolescents of different sexes. Results A total of 316 male patients and 1457 female patients were investigated. Female patients had a higher NSSI frequency (Z=3.195, P=0.001) and higher anxiety scores than did male patients (Z=2.714, P=0.007). Anxiety had a stronger positive predictive effect on the NSSI frequency in females (OR = 1.090) than in males (OR = 1.064). For male patients, the emotion regulation function in NSSI motivation played a full mediating role in the association between anxiety and NSSI frequency. For female patients, the emotion regulation and social avoidance functions in NSSI functions played a partial mediating role between anxiety and NSSI frequency. Conclusions There are sex differences in the mediating role of NSSI functions of depressed adolescents in the association between anxiety and NSSI frequency. When experiencing anxiety, both males and females may engage in NSSI behaviors as a means to regulate their emotions. For females, anxiety can directly predict NSSI frequency, and they may attempt NSSI to achieve the purpose of rejecting others. In the face of anxiety among depressed adolescents of different sexes, developing different emotional regulation methods and behavioral regulation strategies may be critical in preventing their NSSI behaviors.
Article
Full-text available
Deliberate self harm (DSH) refers to the intentional, direct injury of one's own body tissue without suicidal intent. This behavior is a significant mental health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Understanding the measurement and theoretical aspects of DSH is crucial for effective assessment, intervention, and prevention efforts. Regarding measurement, the focus of this narrative, several self-report and clinical assessment tools have been developed to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of DSH. These instruments assess various dimensions of DSH, such as frequency, methods, motivations, and associated psychosocial factors. Theoretically, DSH has been conceptualized within several frameworks, including the behavioral, beurologcal, socio-cultural, phenomenological, biological and eclectic respectively-although these are nnot te concerns in this paper. Clinicians should be trained to assess and address DSH using evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and medication management. Thereby, we can better support individuals struggling with this complex and often misunderstood behavior.
Article
Full-text available
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.
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.