Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Flashcards
What is NSSI?
Intentional and self-inflicted damage to surface of body in absence of suicidal intent
Why do many people engage in NSSI?
To reduce and/or communicate psychological distress
SIB is considered a form of NSSI (T/F)
False
Which DSM diagnosis was NSSI a part of for many years?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
There is no DSM criteria for NSSI currently (T/F)
True
Why do individuals who engage in skin cutting target the thighs/forearms?
The cut is unlikely to be lethal
Rates of NSSI are relatively equal among age groups (T/F)
False; highest among adolescents
According to study, boys were twice as likely to engage in NSSI than girls (T/F)
False
During what developmental stage does NSSI usually manifest?
Adolescence
How do the methods of NSSI differ from girls and boys?
Girls likelier to use methods typically associated with NSSI (cutting, scratching) while boys likely to attempt burning and hitting
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are less likely to engage in NSSI than their heteronormative peers (T/F)
False
People from low income backgrounds more likely to engage in NSSI (T/F)
True
What is the most significant MH condition associated with NSSI?
Suicidal behavior, including suicidal thoughts/ideation/attempts and suicide
How much more likelier are youth who engage in NSSI to make suicidal attempt than non-NSSI youth?
2-4x more likely
Why does Thomas Joiner suggest NSSI serves as “practice” for youth who eventually attempt/commit suicide?
NSSI serves as a way to desensitize youth to pain and habituate them to self-inflicted violence
Who is best source of info for NSSI assessment? What about the best strategy?
A clinical interview with the child directly
Initial response is a key predictor for success of NSSI treatment (T/F)
True
Why is the initial response to NSSI so important to treatment prognosis?
Development of positive therapeutic alliance b/w school psych and student is crucial, especially when student had traumatic experiences with being judged or criticized for a previous disclosure of NSSI
What are some important aspects to remember when responding initially to NSSI?
- Communicate in calm, dispassionate manner
- No under-reaction or overreaction
- Convey respect and not judgment
- Avoid no-NSSI “contracts”
- Convey limits of confidentiality
- Use student’s own descriptive language strategically over course of discussion
How can you manage and prevent contagion of NSSI?
- Reduce in-school communications about NSSI
- Manage students who exhibit scars or wounds
Make use of individual rather than group counseling (to avoid students “learning from one another” in group; similar to students engaging in acting-out behavior)
Why do youth engage in NSSI?
It allows them to escape pain and state of high emotional distress they are in right beforehand; it is both efficient (fast) and effective (works)
