OBJECTIVE: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality among undergraduates represent important public health issues. This analysis identified risk factors that distinguished 3 groups, those who reported no history of self-harm; self-injury, but no suicide attempts (NSSI only); and self-injury and a suicide attempt (NSSI + SA) in the past year. METHODS: Data came from 16,044 undergraduates who completed the Fall 2010 National College Health Assessment. RESULTS: Over 3% of students reported NSSI, and one third of these individuals also attempted suicide. Factors that distinguished the NSSI only and NSSI + SA groups from the no self-harm group included current depressive symptoms, nonheterosexual orientation, an eating disorder/extreme weight control behavior, and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder. Factors that distinguished the NSSI + SA group from the NSSI only group were current depressive symptoms and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Students experiencing mental health problems demonstrate increased risk for NSSI and/or suicidal behavior.
OBJECTIVE: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality among undergraduates represent important public health issues. This analysis identified risk factors that distinguished 3 groups, those who reported no history of self-harm; self-injury, but no suicide attempts (NSSI only); and self-injury and a suicide attempt (NSSI + SA) in the past year. METHODS: Data came from 16,044 undergraduates who completed the Fall 2010 National College Health Assessment. RESULTS: Over 3% of students reported NSSI, and one third of these individuals also attempted suicide. Factors that distinguished the NSSI only and NSSI + SA groups from the no self-harm group included current depressive symptoms, nonheterosexual orientation, an eating disorder/extreme weight control behavior, and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder. Factors that distinguished the NSSI + SA group from the NSSI only group were current depressive symptoms and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Students experiencing mental health problems demonstrate increased risk for NSSI and/or suicidal behavior.
Authors: Glenn Kiekens; Penelope Hasking; Ronny Bruffaerts; Jordi Alonso; Randy P Auerbach; Jason Bantjes; Corina Benjet; Mark Boyes; Wai Tat Chiu; Laurence Claes; Pim Cuijpers; David D Ebert; Arthur Mak; Philippe Mortier; Siobhan O'Neill; Nancy A Sampson; Dan J Stein; Gemma Vilagut; Matthew K Nock; Ronald C Kessler Journal: Psychol Med Date: 2021-06-18 Impact factor: 7.723