School Response to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has been referred to as a new epidemic among youth, with an alarming number of adolescents reporting that they have intentionally cut, scratched, hit, or burned their skin. NSSI is defined as the deliberate self-inflicted damage to body tissue without conscious suicidal intent, and does not include culturally sanctioned or socially normative practices, such as body piercings or tattoos (Favazza, 1996). Current prevalence estimates of NSSI among middle and high school students range from 15% to 20%, and some studies reporting rates of up to 39%. Through retrospective reports, we have a clear indication that the typical age of onset for self-injury occurs during middle school, roughly age 12 to 15 years (Nixon & Heath, 2009; Nock, 2009). Unfortunately, many teachers report negative attitudes toward NSSI, including feelings of horror or repulsion. These negative reactions or misconceptions can be detrimental to the quality of support and treatment provided to youth who engage in NSSI (Best, 2006; Heath, Toste, & Beettam, 2006; Roberts-Dobie & Donatelle, 2007). Even though school-based professionals are increasingly encountering NSSI in the schools, they feel that they lack general information about NSSI and how to deal with this behavior. This article seeks to address this need by providing the reader with essential information for both school personnel and systems-level response to NSSI.