scholarly journals Influential Factors of Non-suicidal Self-Injury in an Eastern Cultural Context: A Qualitative Study From the Perspective of School Mental Health Professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Chen ◽  
Ying Zhou ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Yanfei Hou ◽  
Ding Liu ◽  
...  

Background: Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is becoming a serious public health concern worldwide. In recent years, there has seen a significant increase in both the growth rate and cases of NSSI in Eastern countries, such as Japan, India, and China. In China, most schools have a mental health office that comprises mental health professionals (MHPs), who are the first to respond to student mental health problems, which include NSSI. MHPs possess comprehensive knowledge as well as unique insight into adolescent NSSI. However, very few studies on NSSI have incorporated their perspectives. In this work, we seek to add novel insight by conducting a study focusing on adolescent NSSI from the perspective of MHPs.Methods: We recruited a total of 24 MHPs from different schools using purposive sampling and conducted a semi-structured interview on NSSI-related issues. Each interview was voice recorded and lasted ~30 min. A thematic analysis was performed for the responses to study the most common and concerning issues underlying NSSI.Results: We extracted three major themes and eight sub-themes from the interview records, which included (1) the impact of Chinese culture on NSSI (sex-bias discrimination, overly high expectations, and inappropriate parenting style); (2) life events in school (internet use, academic pressure, and romantic relationships); and (3) opinions on the status quo of NSSI in China (ignorance and stigma).Conclusion: Results showed that culturally sensitive influential factors, such as sex-bias discrimination, the imposing of unrealistic expectations for personal achievement, and inappropriate parenting style, should be given more attention to prevent, assess, and intervene in NSSI. Emerging factors of modern society and adolescent lifestyles, such as academic pressure, internet use, and romantic relationships, should also be considered for treatments.

Author(s):  
Tejaswini Bhave

This chapter attempts to present the overview of mental health issues associated with online dating and online romantic relationships with relevant research background. It briefly cautions about the possible risks involved in the world of online dating platforms and later delves into mental health concerns that can emerge out of experiences while selecting a potential partner online, developing a romantic relationship, and being involved in a romantic relationship online. It also discusses safety measures that need to be taken before and while being active on such online dating sites. The chapter draws attention to the specific role of mental health professionals that is needed while dealing with victims of online scams and abuse.


Author(s):  
Tejaswini Bhave

This chapter attempts to present the overview of mental health issues associated with online dating and online romantic relationships with relevant research background. It briefly cautions about the possible risks involved in the world of online dating platforms and later delves into mental health concerns that can emerge out of experiences while selecting a potential partner online, developing a romantic relationship, and being involved in a romantic relationship online. It also discusses safety measures that need to be taken before and while being active on such online dating sites. The chapter draws attention to the specific role of mental health professionals that is needed while dealing with victims of online scams and abuse.


2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 503-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Rodav ◽  
S. Levy ◽  
S. Hamdan

AbstractPurposeLittle is known about the clinical characteristics and motivations for engaging in non-suicide self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescence. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, characteristics and functions of NSSI among adolescents in community settings, and to explore risk factors related to this behavior.Subjects and methodsTwo hundred and seventy-five adolescents aged 12 to 17 were recruited randomly from different High Schools in Israel. They completed self-report questionnaires assessing NSSI (Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory), depression (Children's Depression Inventory – CDI) and impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale – BIS-II).ResultsIn the past year, 20.7% of the participants reported engaging NSSI at least once. Among them, 42.1% declared they are still engaging in NSSI at the present. Motives for NSSI were internal emotion regulation reasons, external emotion regulation reasons for social influences. In addition, the NSSI group reported significantly higher levels of depressive, impulsivity and suicidal ideations. Depressive symptoms were found as significant predictors of NSSI in the future.Discussion and conclusionsHigh rates of NSSI among community adolescents were found. Depression, impulsivity and suicidal ideation were found significantly related to NSSI. Mental health professionals in schools and in primary care should routinely assess NSSI among adolescents.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
J’Andra Antisdel

Background: Despite the social and cultural changes surrounding the immergence of social media and the risks related to internet use for adolescents, mental health screenings have not changed to assess the psycho-social implications of social media and internet use in general as social supportPurpose: Mental health professionals who assess patient use of social media and internet will be informed of dangerous online support groups promoting negative coping behaviors and risk or occurrence of psychological, physical or sexual abuse arising from dangerous internet use.Method: The following databases were searched: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX with Full Text, using a combination of search terms self-harm, and Internet with Boolean phrase and, and limiters including publication years between 2010-2018.Conclusion: During the screening process, mental health professionals can begin to address this emergent concern by asking internet specific questions designed to inform the professional about patient risk concerning social media and internet use. It is important to continue to assess and evaluate screening methods to ensure mental health screenings are adapting to the changing technological world. Social media and internet use have changed the way humans communicate and form social connections. It is imperative mental health professionals assess the implications of dangerous social media and internet use concerning mental health.


Author(s):  
Megan E. Call ◽  
Jason J. Burrow-Sanchez

The Internet is widely used among adolescents. Although the Internet is a beneficial tool for youth, some children and adolescents are at risk for being victimized online. Media reports portraying online predators and their victims have received increasing publicity. However, some information in these stories can be inaccurate or misleading. Therefore, it is important that mental health professionals and parents receive accurate information about online victimization in order to protect youth from harm. The purpose of this chapter is to provide research-based information on adolescent Internet use and the risk factors associated with online victimization. Further, recommendations for increasing protective factors are provided as a means to keep youth safe while using the Internet.


2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gian Maria Galeazzi ◽  
Sara Delmonte ◽  
Walid Fakhoury ◽  
Stefan Priebe

SummaryAims — To explore morale of psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses working in Community Mental Health Centres (CMHC) in an Italian Province, and identify influential factors. Methods — Thirty psychiatrists and 30 nurses working in CMHCs in Modena completed questionnaires on burnout, team identity and job satisfaction. They also answered open questions about different aspects of their work. Answers were subjected to content analysis. Regression analyses were used to identify factors that predicted morale across groups. Results — Psychiatrists had higher scores on emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. There were no significant differences between the two groups in job satisfaction and job or role perception. Professionals reported positive relationships with patients as the most enjoyable aspects of their job, whilst team conflicts and high workloads were seen as most difficult to cope with. Multivariate analyses showed that being a psychiatrist and perceiving team conflicts as a main cause of pressure in the job predicted higher burnout. Conclusions — Simple open questions coupled with quantitative measures appear a promising tool to investigate morale of mental health professionals and identify factors determining morale. Research, training and service development should focus on relationship aspects both with patients and within teams to reduce burnout in CMHCs.Declaration of InterestG.M.G. was employed by Modena local mental health service, but did not work in CMHCs. No other conflict of interest.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa E. De Riggi ◽  
Samira Moumne ◽  
Nancy L. Heath ◽  
Stephen P. Lewis

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), the immediate and deliberate destruction of one’s own body tissue, without suicidal intent, and not for purposes that are socially accepted, is a critical concern for youth in schools. Despite significant scholarly advances and increasing clinical awareness of NSSI, many school mental health professionals (MHPs) continue to report feeling ill equipped to support students who self-injure, and emphasize a need for formal education about NSSI and its management in schools. Thus, the first part of this article summarizes current NSSI research on prevalence, age of onset, gender differences, functions, risk factors, and associations with suicide. Emerging from this review, the second part offers research-informed recommendations for MHPs managing NSSI in schools, including guidelines for (a) identifying students at elevated risk of self-injury, (b) developing a protocol for school personnel’s initial response to student self-injury, (c) first-level assessment of NSSI, and (d) managing critical issues related to NSSI contagion and online activity.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document