Citation

Kokaliari ED, Roy AW, Koutra K. Int. J. Cult. Ment. Health 2017; 10(1): 50-61.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17542863.2016.1259339

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of non-suicidal-self-injury (NSSI) including depression, stress, anxiety and suicidal behaviors (SIB) among students at two colleges in the USA and Greece. A convenience sample (N = 1062) was used along with the NSSI-Check List, SITBI, and DASS instruments. Significantly Greek (27%) reported higher rates of NSSI (p <.01) versus the United States students (17%). Greek students engaged in self-biting, carving, and insertion of glass objects (p <.01) at a higher rate than the USA students. A model to predict NSSI revealed Greek students who reported an absence of suicidal thoughts, being heterosexual, Christian, and under stress, were 76% more likely to engage in NSSI (p<.01). The USA students who reported an absence of suicidal thoughts and the presence of anxiety were 85% more likely to engage in NSSI (p <.01).

FINDINGS support the view that NSSI is a distinct phenomenon not necessarily related to suicidal behaviors and consistent with the NSSI diagnosis under further study (DSM-2013). As well, the high rates of NSSI along with depression, anxiety, and stress found in this study supports the literature urging NSSI be treated as a significant mental health issue. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Language: en

Keywords

college counseling; cross-cultural; mental health; Self-harm; suicide