Role of Adaptive Coping Strategies in Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health are now well documented, however, few studies have been focused on the role of coping strategies and resilience in counterbalancing these detrimental effects. Data are derived from the COvid Mental hEalth Trial (COMET), a national multicentric trial carried out in the Italian general population. The final sample consisted of 20,720 participants, 53.1% (n = 11,000) of the sample reported low levels of resilience. Adaptive coping strategies and resilience levels did not have any significant protective impact on the levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Only self-distraction was a risk factor for poor mental health (Beta Coefficient, B = 0.1, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 0.003 to 0.267 for stress symptoms; B = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.077 to 0.324 for anxiety symptoms and B = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.105 to 0.382 for depressive symptoms). High levels of resilience were predicted by adaptive coping strategies, such as acceptance (B = 1.8, CI 95% = 1.4–2.7). Exposure to the different weeks of lockdown, being infected by COVID-19, and being a healthcare professional did not influence the levels of resilience. Our findings should be carefully considered, since the low levels of resilience may represent the missing link between the pandemic and the current increase in mental health problems.

Download Full-text

An exploration of adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury and religious coping

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2013-0314 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 345-349 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Nicholas J. Westers ◽

Mark Rehfuss ◽

Lynn Olson ◽

Constance M. Wiemann

Keyword(s):

Religious Coping ◽

Self Injury ◽

Negative Religious Coping ◽

Religious Constructs ◽

And Function ◽

Role Of Religion ◽

The Relationship ◽

Pearson Correlations ◽

Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Abstract Many adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) self-identify as religious, but the role of religion in their NSSI is not known. This exploratory study examined the relationship between religious coping and religiousness among adolescents who self-injure and the function of their NSSI. Thirty adolescents aged 12–19 years who had engaged in NSSI participated in an interview and completed questionnaires. Multiple regressions were used to examine the relationship between religious coping and NSSI, and Pearson correlations were used to assess the relationship between religiousness and function of NSSI. Greater use of positive religious coping was associated with lower likelihood of engaging in NSSI to rid oneself of unwanted emotions, whereas greater use of negative religious coping was associated with greater likelihood of engaging in NSSI for this reason as well as to avoid punishment or unwanted responsibility. Higher religiousness was associated with greater use of NSSI to communicate with or gain attention from others, whereas lower religiousness was associated with greater use of NSSI to relieve unwanted emotions. Having a greater understanding of how religious constructs are related to the various functions served by NSSI may inform treatment of this population, particularly among religious youth who self-injure.

Download Full-text

Expanding and Clarifying the Role of Emotion Regulation in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/070674371405901102 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 59 (11) ◽

pp. 569-575 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Margaret S Andover ◽

Blair W Morris

Keyword(s):

Emotion Regulation ◽

Self Injury ◽

Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Download Full-text

Addressing Self-Injury in Schools, Part 1: Understanding Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and the Importance of Respectful Curiosity in Supporting Youth Who Engage in Self-Injury

NASN School Nurse ◽

10.1177/1942602x19886381 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 92-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Elizabeth E. Lloyd-Richardson ◽

Penelope Hasking ◽

Stephen Lewis ◽

Chloe Hamza ◽

Margaret McAllister ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

School Nurses ◽

School Nursing ◽

Mental Health Needs ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Brief Assessment ◽

Self Injury ◽

And Training ◽

Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as the deliberate, self-inflicted damage of body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially or culturally sanctioned. School nurses are often a first point of contact for young people experiencing mental health challenges, and yet they often report they lack knowledge and training to provide care for persons who engage in NSSI. In the first of two parts, this article provides school nurses with a better understanding of NSSI and the distinctions between NSSI and suicidal behaviors, discusses the role of nurses’ knowledge and attitudes on their ability to care for their patients’ mental health needs, and discusses approaches for developing a respectful, empathic manner for working with and supporting youth who engage in self-injury. Part 2 will offer a strategy for brief assessment of NSSI and reflect on two case studies and their implications for school nursing practice.

Download Full-text