Representations of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Motion Pictures

This study investigated representations of non-suicidal-self-injury in popular media. 41 motion pictures were reviewed, coded, & analysed. Non-suicidal self-injury was less likely to be associated with completed suicide than other psychological factors, but more closely associated with suicide than non-suicidal self-injury is in the community. Although non-suicidal self-inury was associated with psychiatric illness, few characters were receiving psychiatric care at the time of non-suicidal self-injury. However, a significant proportion received support after engaging in non-suicidal self-injury. Implications of the relatively accurate portrayal of non-suicidal self-injuries are discussed in light of the potential for imitation, & the possibility of using cinematherapy to promote effective problem resolution. (61 refs.)