Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Adoledcents And Young Adults Exploring The Types And Understading Of Triggers And Functions

Non Suicidal Self-Injury/Deliberate (NSSI/DSH) self-harm refers to the intentional act of causing physical injury to oneself without wanting to die. Deliberate self-harm behaviors most commonly include cutting, scratching or hitting oneself, and intentional drug overdose. They may also include limiting food intake and other ‘risk-taking’ behaviors such as driving at high speeds and having unsafe sex. The current study attempts to comprehend the types and cause or reasons of persons who intentionally harm themselves. The aim of the study was to understand the nature of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury by exploring the different types and understanding the functions NSSI serves. A detailed and thorough review of the literature was done. 80 adolescents/young-adults were selected from the normal population first, and only the participants (N=40) engaging in self-harm were selected for further investigation .Inventory of statements about Self-Injury was given to the participants and the types and functions of selfharm behaviors were identified. The results show that the major types of Self-Harm identified were: Cutting, Biting, Pulling Hair, Pinching and Banging and Hitting Self. The study also highlighted the functions that DSH/NSSI serves. The major functions explored were: AffectRegulation, Self-Punishment, Interpersonal Boundaries, Marking Distress, Autonomy and AntiDissociation and Feeling Generation etc.