The Nature and Extent of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in a Non-Clinical Sample of Young Adults

This study examined the nature, extent, & correlates of non-suicidal self-injury in a non-clinical sample of 211 Australian young adults, age 18-30 years. Of the sample, 43.6% reported engaging in non-suicidal self-injury; approximately 10% engaged in moderate/severe self-injury. Those that reported non-suicidal self-injury reported greater psychopathology, avoidant coping, & alcohol use than those who did not self-injure. The extent of these differences magnified as the severity of the self-injury increased. Findings highlight the need to consider any form of non-suicidal self-injury as an indication of distress & ineffective coping. (60 refs.)