Factors Linked With Increases in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

This case study explored eight clients in outpatient mental health counseling who reported engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) within the 90 days prior to intake. Information on client self-injury, psychological symptoms, and coping behaviors were collected from clients at intake and termination. At program termination, counselors’ treatment methods, number of sessions, and credentials were collected. To explore changes in NSSI during counseling, descriptive statistics and frequencies were used. Most clients decreased or extinguished self-injury behaviors by termination, while two clients increased. Problem-focused and avoidant coping strategies appeared to differentiate clients who decreased from clients who increased self-injurious behaviors by termination.