The Role of Psychological Factors in Non-Suicidal Self-injury of Female Adolescents

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as inflicting damage to one’s own body. It begins in adolescence and tends to become chronic. Objectives: Considering the high prevalence and chronicity of NSSI among girls, the present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the prevalence of NSSI in female adolescents from their perspective. Methods: The participants consisted of 604 female high-school students in Saveh, aged 14 - 17 years (14.29 ± 1.11), who were selected via random cluster sampling from November 2018 to January 2019. They answered six questionnaires, including the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS), Ways of Coping questionnaire (WCQ), Child Abuse Self-report scale (CASRS), Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism scale (FEICS), Emotion Reactivity scale (ERS), and Aggression questionnaire (AQ). Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: The predictor variables of child abuse, emotion reactivity, perceived parental criticism, family emotional involvement, and problem- and emotion-focused coping styles could successfully distinguish NSSI individuals from those without NSSI (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between minor and moderate groups. Conclusions: Family emotional support is a protective factor, while criticism, child abuse, and emotion-focused coping style are risk factors for NSSI.

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Assessing the Functions of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Factor Analysis of Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation among Adolescents

Iranian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.18502/ijps.v14i3.1319 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Maryam Izadi-Mazidi ◽

Hamid Yaghubi ◽

Pavaneh Mohammadkhani ◽

Hamidreza Hassanabadi

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

High School Students ◽

Functional Assessment ◽

Age Of Onset ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

School Students ◽

Self Injury ◽

Self Mutilation ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

The Mean

Objective: The aim of this cross sectional study was to assess the factor analysis of Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM) among Iranian adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury. Method: In this study, 646 high school students, with the mean age of 16.55 ± 0.7, were selected using a multistage cluster sampling method; they completed FASM and the demographic form. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ2), independent sample t test, MANOVA, and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Results: Of the participants, 178 reported at least 1 episode of NSSI during the previous year. The mean age of the participants when they first harmed themselves was 14.64 (±1.71). Most of them reported to engage in NSSI impulsively (39.32%) and experienced little (31.5%) or moderate physical pain (31.5%) There were no significant differences between males and females in severity of NSSI, frequency of NSSI, thinking about NSSI prior to engaging in the act, and age of onset. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the 4-factor model of NSSI functions suggested by Nock and Prinstine [Χ2/df = 1.84; RMSEA = 0.07; GFI = 0.82; AGFI = 0.77]. The most frequent function for engaging in NSSI was Automatic Negative Reinforcement. Conclusion: Findings of this study supported the structural validity of the FASM; thus, this tool can be useful in treatment and research contexts as a measure of NSSI functions. Moreover, this study found that adolescents engage in non-suicidal self-injury because of 4 distinct reinforcement processes. The study findings have important implications for the assessment and treatment of NSSI.

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Does Anger Expression Mediate the Relationship Between Parental Rejection and Direct and Indirect Forms of Non-suicidal Self-injury?

Journal of Child and Family Studies ◽

10.1007/s10826-020-01844-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (12) ◽

pp. 3575-3585

Author(s):

Annarosa Cipriano ◽

Laurence Claes ◽

Amarendra Gandhi ◽

Stefania Cella ◽

Paolo Cotrufo

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

High School Students ◽

Anger Expression ◽

Path Model ◽

Self Report ◽

Parental Rejection ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

School Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Injury

AbstractNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as the intentional destruction of one’s own body without an intent to die (e.g., self-cutting). On the other hand, indirect forms of self-injury refer to behaviors in which people harm themselves in an indirect way (e.g., substance use). Existing literature suggests that a negative parent–child relationship may increase vulnerability to NSSI and indirect forms of self-injury. However, little is known about the potential mediators that intervene in the aforementioned relationship. Therefore, the present work tests a path model to investigate whether the manner of anger expression—anger-in (redirect anger inwardly) or anger-out (express anger outwardly)—mediates the association between parental rejection and direct (specifically self-cutting) and indirect (specifically substance use) forms of self-injury in a cross-sectional sample of Italian adolescents. We assessed self-injury, parental acceptance/rejection, and the expression of anger using self-report questionnaires in 2464 high school students, aged 13–20 years (Mage = 15.93, SD = 1.49). Additionally, characteristics of NSSI were also assessed using semi-structured interviews. We found that parental rejection was significantly positively associated with both self-cutting and substance use. The aforementioned relationship was mediated through anger-in for self-cutting, and through anger-out for substance use. The current work demonstrated that anger expression might work as a bridge between invalidating caregiving environment (i.e., rejecting), in which an individual feels unloved and uncared for, and the occurrence of self-cutting and substance use. The salient role of anger management in the development of prevention and intervention programs for NSSI and indirect self-injury among adolescents is discussed.

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Associations between optimism, tobacco smoking and substanceabuse among Iranian high school students

Health Promotion Perspectives ◽

10.15171/hpp.2019.38 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 279-284

Author(s):

Soudabeh Marin ◽

Esmaeil Heshmatian ◽

Haidar Nadrian ◽

Ali Fakhari ◽

Asghar Mohammadpourasl

Keyword(s):

Substance Abuse ◽

High School Students ◽

Tobacco Smoking ◽

Illicit Drugs ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Illicit Drug ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

School Students ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Hookah Smoking

Background: Optimism is known to be associated with many health behaviors. However, the associations between optimism, tobacco smoking and substance abuse in adolescents are not well documented. This study aimed to address this research gap in a large school-based population. Methods: Participants (N = 1104) were selected based on multi-stage cluster sampling method. Cigarette and hookah smoking behaviors, illicit drug use, optimism, and relevant covariates were measured using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. Results: After adjustment, higher optimism score was a protective factor against being situated in advanced stages of cigarette smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.84-0.91), hookah smoking (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88-0.94), and illicit drugs usage (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.95). Moreover, the results showed that negative-stability and negative-globality domains of optimism were significantly higher among advanced-stage smokers and illicit drug users. Conclusion: Optimism was found to be a protective factor against tobacco smoking and substance abuse; whereas pessimism (negative-stability and negative-globality) was found to be a determinant factor. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of optimism on the transition in cigarette and hookah smoking stages.

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Depression Symptoms as Mediator Between Adolescents' Sense of Loneliness at School and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Behaviors

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000702 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Nir Madjar ◽

Ella Sarel-Mahlev ◽

Anat Brunstein Klomek

Keyword(s):

High School Students ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Self Report ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

School Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multiple Group ◽

Self Injury ◽

Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Abstract. Background: Previous studies indicated that perception of school experiences (i.e., teachers' psychological support and perceived peer climate) is associated with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors among adolescents. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to explore whether depression symptoms mediate the relationship between sense of loneliness in school and NSSI behaviors among adolescents. Method: The sample included high-school students ( N = 306; 51.6% girls) who completed surveys assessing their subjective sense of loneliness (feeling lonely, spending their time alone in school, and reporting a small number of friends), depression symptoms, and NSSI behaviors. Results: Multiple-group structural equation modeling, stratified by gender, supported the hypothesized model. Sense of loneliness was associated with depression symptoms, which in turn were associated with NSSI. Positive school attitudes were associated with depression symptoms only for girls. Results were robust when controlling for the relationships with parents. Limitations: The study is based on cross-sectional data, which limits the ability to make causal conclusions, and the instruments are based on self-report scales. Conclusion: Mental health professional are advised to note the significant role of subjective sense of loneliness in school as a possible risk factor for depression symptoms, which may be associated with NSSI behaviors.

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The Relationship between the UPPS-P Impulsivity Dimensions and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Characteristics in Male and Female High-School Students

Psychiatry Journal ◽

10.1155/2013/654847 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Laurence Claes ◽

Jennifer Muehlenkamp

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Self Report ◽

Male Students ◽

School Students ◽

Injury Characteristics ◽

Self Injury ◽

Explained Variance ◽

The Relationship ◽

Nonsuicidal Self Injury

The present study investigated the association between nonsuicidal self-injury characteristics, functions, and the UPPS-P impulsivity-related traits in high-school students using self-report questionnaires. More than 17% of the 613 students engaged in at least one type of NSSI behavior. Compared to male students, female students engaged more often in cutting and less in head banging. All NSSI behaviors were significantly related to Negative and Positive Urgency, that is, the tendency to act impulsive in the presence of negative/positive affect. Interactions between different UPPS-P impulsivity dimensions did not increase the percentage of explained variance in the different NSSI behaviors. Furthermore, severe cutting was negatively related to Lack of Premeditation. Different NSSI functions showed differential relationships with the five UPPS-P impulsivity dimensions.

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Exploring Particular Facets of Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Their Relationships With Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000566 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 280-286 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nir Madjar ◽

Nicole Segal ◽

Gilad Eger ◽

Gal Shoval

Keyword(s):

Emotion Regulation ◽

High School Students ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Emotion Regulation Strategies ◽

Cognitive Emotion Regulation ◽

School Students ◽

Self Injury ◽

Regulation Strategies ◽

Nonsuicidal Self Injury

Abstract. Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has been found to be associated with poor emotion regulation. Aims: The goal of this study was to examine the association of multidimensional cognitive emotion regulation strategies with NSSI among adolescents and compare the different patterns of NSSI. Method: A sample of 594 high-school students (54.4% boys; mean age = 14.96 years), from five regional schools across Israel, were assessed for five facets of cognitive emotion regulation strategies (acceptance, refocus on planning, positive refocusing, putting into perspective, and positive reappraisal) and NSSI behaviors using validated scales. Participants were allocated into three groups: repetitive NSSI (more than six occasions of NSSI; 7.1%), occasional NSSI (at least one incident but less than six; 8.3%), and no NSSI (84.6%). Results: Analysis of covariance, controlling for gender and depression symptoms, revealed that students with NSSI reported higher levels of acceptance, but lower levels of refocus on planning and putting into perspective. Limitations: The study used a cross-sectional design, which was a limitation. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that particular cognitive emotion regulation strategies differ substantially in their relationship with NSSI. Adolescents who focus on planning and putting stressful situations into perspective may have increased resilience, whereas adolescents who are accepting of negative events that have happened may be more prone to maladaptive coping behaviors.

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Test Anxiety in Potential First-Generation Students: A Longitudinal Examination of the Role of Psychological Needs

Journal of Teaching and Learning ◽

10.22329/jtl.v14i2.6202 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 33-49

Author(s):

Natalie Spadafora ◽

Emily L. Murphy ◽

Danielle S. Molnar ◽

Dawn Zinga

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Test Anxiety ◽

First Generation ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Basic Psychological Needs ◽

Self Report ◽

First Generation Students ◽

School Students ◽

Post Secondary

It is estimated that 15-22% of students have high levels of test anxiety (von der Embse, Jester, Roy, & Post, 2018), which can be associated with greater academic stress and poorer educational performance (e.g., Steinmayr, Crede, McElvany, & Withwein, 2016). First-generation students (where neither parent has completed post-secondary education) are a critical group to study given that they are at higher risk for poorer educational attainment and being unsuccessful at the post-secondary level. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the link between basic psychological needs and test anxiety in a sample of first-generation Ontario high school students across two points in time (N = 147; Mage = 14.82, SD = 1.28). Self-report data was collected as a part of an on-going longitudinal study focusing on students attending a high school with specialized programming to enhance the transition to post-secondary institutions. Results from cross-lagged path analyses indicated that being older, female, and having higher levels of needs frustration significantly predicted higher levels of test anxiety over time within this sample. Our results highlight important educational implications, emphasizing the importance of fostering classroom environments where students perceive their psychological needs to be met, particularly within this unique population of students.

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Assessing the Effects of Childhelp’s Speak Up be Safe Child Abuse Prevention Curriculum for High School Students

Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma ◽

10.1007/s40653-021-00353-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marisol Juarez Diaz ◽

Diane Moreland ◽

Wendy Wolfersteig

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Child Abuse ◽

High School Students ◽

Child Maltreatment ◽

Child Abuse Prevention ◽

Control Group ◽

Abuse Prevention ◽

School Students ◽

Prevention Curriculum ◽

Speak Up

Abstract Purpose This study examined the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe (CHSUBS) child abuse prevention curriculum for high school students and addressed a gap in evidence-based child maltreatment prevention programs. CHSUBS is grounded in theory and was developed to 1) provide students with the skills they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse, bullying, and neglect, and 2) increase student knowledge about safety related to abuse. Methods Utilizing a cluster-randomized controlled trial design, the three high schools were randomly assigned to participate in the CHSUBS curriculum or the control group. Survey items measured the efficacy of the curriculum in grades 9 through 12. Surveys were implemented at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and after 6 months for a follow-up. Analyses included exploratory factor analyses and a paired samples t–test to determine whether increases in child maltreatment knowledge and resistance skills were gained. Results Findings showed positive significant results that child maltreatment knowledge and resistance skills were significantly different from pre to post for the CHSUBS group and showed no significant control group changes. Conclusions High school students in the CHSUBS group appeared to gain both child maltreatment knowledge and resistance skills. Future studies on prevention programming for high school students might show results that lead to a reduction in child maltreatment and an increase in better health outcomes for adolescents.

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An Emerging Problem of Shisha Smoking among High School Students in Ethiopia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18137023 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 7023

Author(s):

Selamawit Hirpa ◽

Andrew Fogarty ◽

Adamu Addissie ◽

Linda Bauld ◽

Thomas Frese ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Smokeless Tobacco ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Capital City ◽

School Level ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

High Concentration ◽

School Students ◽

Study Participants

Shisha smoking is also known as hookah, water pipe, goza, and nargile. Shisha use among the young is increasing globally. Shisha smoke results in a high concentration of carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine, and heavy metals which can be toxic to humans, especially with chronic exposure. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of shisha smoking among in-school adolescents in Ethiopia. Four regional states in Ethiopia (Oromia, Amhara, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, Tigray) and the capital city (Addis Ababa) were the study areas. A two-stage cluster sampling approach was employed to produce a representative sample. From the sampling frames in the study areas, 36 high schools were selected randomly. A multi-level logistic regression analysis was used to account for cluster-specific random effects, the effect of individuals’, and school-level variables for ever-use of shisha. A total of 3355 secondary school grade 9 and 10 students aged between 13 and 22 years took part in this study. A total of 86 (2.6%) and 20 (0.6%) of the study participants, reported that they had ever smoked or were current smokers of shisha, respectively. Of all study participants, 38.6% perceived shisha as less harmful than cigarettes and 48.5% reported that they do not know which was more harmful to health. Students were more likely to ever use shisha if they had friend/s who smoke shisha (AOR = 16.8, 95% CI: 6.4–44.3), ever smoked cigarettes (AOR = 8.2, 95% CI: 3.4–19.8), ever used khat (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.9–10.4), ever used marijuana (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.4–11.1), ever used smokeless tobacco (AOR = 3.1 95% CI: 1.1–8.4), and students had received income from their parents (AOR = 3.1 CI: 1.1–8.8). Prevalence of ever and current use of shisha among high school students is low in Ethiopia compared to many countries in Africa. The majority of adolescents perceived shisha as less harmful to health than cigarette smoking. Health education about the harmful effects of shisha should be delivered to adolescents, along with information on other substances like khat, cigarettes, marijuana, and smokeless tobacco to prevent initiation of substance use.

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Self-reports of emotional distress in a sample of urban black high school students

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291700049114 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 809-817 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Ellen W. Freeman ◽

Karl Rickels ◽

Emily B. H. Mudd ◽

George R. Huggins ◽

Celso-Ramon Garcia

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Emotional Distress ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

Great Majority ◽

Self Report ◽

School Students ◽

Hopkins Symptom Checklist ◽

Adolescent Groups ◽

High Distress

SynopsisEmotional distress as assessed by the self-report Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) was examined in a sample of 607 urban black high school students aged 15–18. These adolescents reported high distress primarily about feelings of disadvantage, volatile anger, interpersonal sensitivity and loneliness. Females were significantly more likely than males to indicate emotional distress, although several of the leading distress items were endorsed equally by both groups. Male and female scores across the HSCL factors differed in degree rather than form. The great majority of these adolescents didnotreport significant emotional distress. These data provide a base from a non-clinical sample for comparison with other adolescent groups where emotional distress may play a role.

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