About Self-Injury Resources /About Self-Injury Facts & figures, information & insights Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI, self-injury) is the deliberate, self-directed damage of body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially or culturally sanctioned. Self-injury is a complex behaviour that can be difficult to understand. Below, we have compiled a series of fact sheets to build awareness and knowledge of NSSI. For more in-depth information, please visit our NSSI "Wiki" page. What is Self-Injury? There are several key elements to how ISSS defines self-injury... Read more Who Self-Injures and Why? People of all ages, genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and social classes self-injure... Read more What are the Impacts of Self-Injury? Self-injury can have varied short- and long-term impacts... Read more Treatments for Self-Injury Although there is currently no “gold-standard” treatment for self-injury, several treatments show promise... Read more Self-Injury and Suicide The relationship between NSSI and suicide is complex... Read more Recovery and Ambivalence Recovery for self-injury can mean different things to different people... Read more Is NSSI a Disorder? The short answer is no, but it's complicated... Read more Talking About Self-Injury The language we use to talk about people and the behaviours they engage in is powerful... Read more

ISSS Rising Stars About /Awards / ISSS Rising Stars Recognizing Potential ISSS Rising Stars are dedicated early-career researchers, clinicians, or advocates whose work demonstrates potential and commitment to make a significant contribution to the field and to the lives of people with lived experience. Rising Stars of ISSS 2026 Dr. Tinne Buelens Dr. Buelens is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology at the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands). Her research focuses on self-injury and identity development in adolescents and young adults. 2025 Dr. Kealagh Robinson Dr. Robinson is a Senior Lecturer at Massey's School of Psychology (Aotearoa, New Zealand). She is also a collaborator with the Checking on Mental Health Providing Alternatives to Suicide (COMPAS) program. 2024 Dr. Taylor Burke Dr. Burke is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (United States). She also co-leads the Mood and Behavior Lab (MABL) at Harvard Medical School. 2023 Dr. Kathryn Fox Dr. Fox is an Assistant Professor in the clinical child psychology Ph.D. Program at the University of Denver, where she also directs the Fox Lab in the Department of Psychology. 2022 Dr. Glenn Kiekens Dr. Kiekens is as an Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology at Tilburg University (Netherlands) and Senior Research Fellow at KU Leuven (Belgium). 2021 Dr. Sarah Victor Dr. Victor is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University (United States) where she leads the Tracking Risk Over Time Lab (TRTL). 2020 Dr. Brooke Ammerman Dr. Ammerman is a Professor at the University of Notre Dame (United States) where she is Director of the Affect, Suicide, Self-Injury, and Social Triggers (ASSIST) Lab and Co-Director of the Notre Dame Suicide Prevention Initiative.

The Psychology of Self-Injury Podcast / The Psychology of Self-Injury A Podcast Exploring Self-Harm & Mental Health Why do people self-injure? And what is the best way to respond when someone tells us they self-injure? Dr. Nicholas Westers, a clinical psychologist at Children's Health and Associate Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, collaborates with the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) to interview the leading experts in the field of self-injury and self-harm as well as individuals with lived experience of self-injury and parents and family members of those who have self-injured. See the latest episodes below or head to the Podcast Homepage . Latest Episodes Parenting with Lived Experience of Self-Injury with Dr. Janis Whitlock Janis Whitlock, PhD, from Cornell University and Senior Advisor for The JED Foundation explains how caregivers with lived experience of self-injury can navigate conversations with their children about their own history of self-harm, and how parents can manage heightened limits to confidentiality when their child who self-injures turns 18 while in therapy. Listen Now DSM Update: Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder, or a Clinical Specifier? Drs. Greg Lengel, Maria Zetterqvist, Amy Brausch, and Jason Washburn explain why they now advocate for nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm to be considered a clinical specifier rather than a disorder in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Listen Now Help-Seeking for Self-Injury with Nani Kim, RN Nani Kim, RN, at the University of Texas at Austin shares a review of research on help-seeking behaviors for self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Why Do People Self-Injure? Part 2 with Dr. Kirsty Hird Kirsty Hird, PhD, from The Kids Research Institute Australia explains in depth why people self-injure or self-harm according to six specific theoretical models of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Listen Now Self-Harm in Older Adults with Dr. Lisa Van Hove Lisa Van Hove, PhD, from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels University) in Belgium reveals the prevalence and characteristics of self-injury and self-harm among older adults (ages 60+). Listen Now Does Conflict About One’s Gender Role Predict Self-Injury? with Dr. Moye Xin Moye Xin, PhD, from Xi’an University in China shares insights from his research exploring how conflict about one's gender role may increase risk for engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Lived Experience: Ben's Story of Self-Injury Ben from California shares his story of lived experience of self-injury as a man, including how he views recovery and copes with significant scarring from self-harm wounds. Listen Now Self-Injury Awareness Day (March 1) with Drs. Sylvanna Mirichlis & Stephen Lewis Sylvanna Mirichlis, PhD, and Stephen Lewis, PhD, talk all things Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD). We also share some of our favorite clips from past episodes for those new to the topic of self-harm. Listen Now Are Therapists Willing to Treat Self-Injury? with Spencer Ellison & Dr. Jennifer Muehlenkamp Spencer Ellison and Jennifer Muehlenkamp, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire tell us what they learned when they asked therapists about their willingness to treat individuals who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury or self-harm. Listen Now Paramedical Tattooing for Self-Harm Scars, with Tattoo Artist Elena & Her Client Tattoo artist Elena from Illusions by Ink Studio in Irving, Texas, discusses paramedical tattooing and invites her client with lived experience of self-injury to share her experience with camouflage tattooing of her self-harm scars. Listen Now Lived Experience: Ellie's Story of Atypical Severe Self-Harm Ellie Wildbore from the United Kingdom and National Health Service (NHS) shares her story of lived experience of atypical severe self-injury, her research on self-harm, and her experience as one of the first Lived Experience Research Ambassadors working in NHS mental health. Listen Now Self-Injury Among Ethnically Diverse Populations Dr. Maryam Gholamrezaei Maryam Gholamrezaei, PhD, C.Psych, from Toronto, Canada, discusses self-injury and help-seeking among ethnically diverse populations and shares cultural insights into reasons for self-harm among individuals in the Middle East. Listen Now Effects of Emotions on Self-Injury Pain Perception with Michelle Hiner Michelle Hiner, MS, from Rutgers University in New Jersey breaks down how high and low arousal emotions affect the perception of pain among those who engage in self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Emotion Regulation Individual Therapy for Adolescents (ERITA) Who Self-Harm with Dr. Johan Bjureberg Johan Bjureberg, Ph.D., from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden walks us through Emotion Regulation Individual Therapy for Adolescents (ERITA) for nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Tips for Supporting Those Who Self-Harm with Dr. Nicholas Westers Nicholas J. Westers, Psy.D., ABPP from Children's Health and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas provides practical tips and considerations for supporting individuals who engage in self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Social Media, Meta, & Self-Injury with Lotte Rubæk Lotte Rubæk, MSc, from Denmark discusses the role of social media among individuals who self-injure as well as why she resigned from her role on Meta's (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) self-harm global expert panel. Listen Now Self-Criticism as a Predictor of Self-Injury with Christina Robillard Christina Robillard, M.Sc., from the University of Victoria in Canada explains the relationship between self-criticism and self-injury as well as other self-harm behaviors like disordered eating. Listen Now Lived Experience: Thomas' Story of Self-Injury & Gender Dysphoria Thomas from Ontario, Canada shares his story of lived experience of self-injury and gender dysphoria, including how self-harm evolved for him over time as a transgender man. Listen Now Do Youth Self-Injure More Now Than 15 Years Ago? with Dr. Jonas Bjärehed Jonas Bjärehed, PhD, from Lund University in Sweden compares rates of self-injury and self-harm among youth from 2007 to 2023. Listen Now Supporting Siblings of Individuals Who Self-Harm with Dr. Amy Lucas Amy Lucas, PhD, from Speek Health in the United Kingdom talks about how we can support siblings of those who self-injure and self-harm. Listen Now DSM-5 & Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder with Dr. Greg Lengel Greg Lengel, PhD, from Drake University in Iowa walks us through self-harm in the DSM-5 and the six criteria for the proposed diagnosis of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder. Listen Now How Should Self-Harm Be Defined? with Drs. Brooke Ammerman & Greg Lengel Brooke Ammerman, PhD, and Greg Lengel, PhD, define nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and self-harm. Listen Now Where Does Self-Injury Fit Within Self-Damaging Behaviors? with Dr. Brianna Turner Brianna Turner, PhD, from the University of Victoria in Canada explains why the boundaries between various forms of self-harm and self-injury may be less clear than implied by research and definitions. Listen Now Lived Experience: Allison's Story of Self-Injury & Scarring Allison from Washington State shares her story of lived experience of self-injury, scarring, and shame as well as how she makes sense of her self-harm scars in the context of her faith. Listen Now Self-Injury in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with Caroline Roberts Caroline Roberts from the University of Minnesota bridges the conversation gap between self-injurious behavior (SIB) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), including self-harm among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Listen Now The Psychology of Self-Injury Pain with Dr. Julien Koenig Julian Koenig, Dr. sc. hum. (PhD), from the University of Cologne in Germany discusses the psychology of pain in self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Youth Crisis, Self-Harm, & Mental Health Language with Drs. Rachel Acheson & Maria Papadima Rachel Acheson, PhD, and Maria Papadima, PhD, from the Association of Child Psychotherapists in London describe how today's "adolescent crisis," including self-injury and self-harm, is often expressed through mental health language. Listen Now Self-Harm OCD vs. Nonsuicidal Self-Injury with Nathan Peterson Nathan Peterson, LCSW, from OCD and Anxiety Counseling in Allen, Texas, explains the difference between Self-Harm OCD and nonsuicidal self-injury as well as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for harm OCD. Listen Now A Dad & Daughter Discuss Her Lived Experience of Self-Harm Together, a dad and his young adult daughter share their story of her self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Self-Injury Recovery: A Person-Centered Approach with Drs. Stephen Lewis & Penny Hacking Stephen Lewis, PhD, & Penelope Hasking, PhD, introduce a new way of thinking about self-injury, self-harm, and recovery. Listen Now The Neurobiology of Self-Injury (in Layman's Terms) with Dr. Michael Kaess Michael Kaess, MD, from the University of Bern in Switzerland explains the neurobiology of self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Emotion Regulation Group Therapy for Self-Harm with Dr. Kim Gratz and Dr. Matthew Tull Kim Gratz, PhD, and Matthew Tull, PhD, from the University of Toledo walk us through Emotion Regulation Group Therapy (ERGT) intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Did Self-Injury Increase During the COVID-19 Lockdown? with Dr. Ruth Tatnell Ruth Tatnell, PhD, from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia describes how the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdown affected rates of self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now The Evolution of Self-Injury Treatment with Dr. Wendy Lader Wendy Lader, PhD, author of "Bodily Harm: the Breakthrough Healing Program for Self-Injurers" and Co-Founder and retired Clinical Director of the S.A.F.E. Alternatives Program in St. Louis, MO, describes how the treatment for self-injury and self-harm has evolved over the years. Listen Now The Psychology of Self-Injury Scarring with Dr. Taylor Burke Taylor Burke, PhD, from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital discusses the psychological effects of scars resulting from self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Lived Experience: Kirsty's Story of Self-Injury & Advocacy Kirsty from New Zealand shares her story of lived experience of self-injury and how her experiences inform her work in advocating for, and instilling hope in, others with similar stories of self-harm. Listen Now Digital Interventions for Self-Harm with Dr. Kaylee Kruzan Kaylee Kruzan, PhD, from Northwestern University in Chicago shares about digital apps and online interventions for self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Self-Injury Under Age 12 with Dr. Imke Baetens & Lisa Van Hove Imke Baetens, PhD, from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels University) in Belgium and PhD student Lisa Van Hove discuss the prevalence and characteristics of self-injury and self-harm among children under age 12. Listen Now Self-Injury Over Age 40 with Dr. Sarah Swannell Sarah Swannell, PhD, a psychologist in private practice in Australia and Lecturer at the University of Queensland discusses the prevalence and characteristics of self-injury and self-harm among individuals over age 40. Listen Now Self-Injury in Film: "PERFECTION" the Movie with Actor & Director Christina Beck Christina Beck, a screenwriter, director, and actress discusses her film "PERFECTION" and what inspired her to create a film in which the protagonist engages in self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Self-Injury Location: Visible vs Concealed with Dr. Kathryn Gardner Kathryn Gardner, PhD, from the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom discusses the significance of where on the body individuals choose to engage in self-cutting behavior and the psychology of self-injury and self-harm location. Listen Now Self-Harm Across Cultures, with Dr. Marc Wilson with Dr. Marc Wilson Marc Wilson, PhD, from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand shares about cross-cultural representations of self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Single-Session Intervention for Self-Harm with Mallory Dobias Mallory Dobias, MA, from Stony Brook University describes Project SAVE, an online, single-session intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Eating Disorders & Self-Harm with Dr. Katie Gordon Kathryn Gordon, PhD, from Fargo, North Dakota discusses the relationship between disordered eating and self-harm, how often they co-occur, why they co-occur, and physical pain sensitivity amidst eating disorder behavior and self-injury. Listen Now Lived Experience: Brittany's Story of Self-Injury & Faith Brittany from Texas shares her story of lived experience of self-injury and self-harm and how her faith has helped her navigate both positive and negative reactions from religious leaders. Listen Now Self-Injury in Schools with Dr. Nancy Heath Nancy Heath, PhD, from McGill University in Canada explains how schools can respond appropriately to students who engage in self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Self-Harm with Dr. Jenny Hughes Jennifer Hughes, PhD, MPH, from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, describes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as an intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Navigating Self-Injury During Routine Doctor Visits with Brittany Tinsley Brittany Tinsley of @brittanytinsleywrites Instagram explains how she navigates talking about her wounds and scars of self-injury and self-harm with her medical providers during routine doctor visits. Listen Now Self-Injury in Japanese Manga with Dr. Yukari Seko Yukari Seko, PhD, from Ryerson University in Canada describes how self-injury is depicted in various genres of Japanese manga and how graphic novels like manga can be utilized for good in understanding and treating self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now If Your Child is in Therapy for Self-Injury with Dr. Jessica Garisch Jessica Garisch, PhD, from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, gives a sneak peek into how she addresses self-injury and self-harm in therapy sessions with youth and their parents. Listen Now Self-Injury Among LGBTQ Individuals with Dr. Lindsay Taliaferro Lindsay Taliaferro, PhD, from the University of Central Florida discusses the prevalence of self-injury among individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ); common risk and protective factors; and the intersectionality of race, sexual minority status, and gender diversity among those who self-injure and self-harm. Listen Now Managing Self-Injury in Inpatient Settings with Dr. Jason Washburn Jason Washburn, PhD, ABPP, from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine explains how self-injury and self-harm can effectively and compassionately be managed in inpatient settings. Listen Now Lived Experience of Self-Injury & Stigma: Lexy's Story Lexy from Australia shares her story of lived experience of self-injury and stigma and how it has influenced her work in researching self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Atypical Severe Self-Injury with Dr. Barry Walsh Barent Walsh, PhD, author of "Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide" and Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Clinical Consultant at Open Sky Community Services in Worcester, MA, describes the forms, functions, and treatment of atypical, severe self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Monitoring Self-Injury in Real Time with Dr. Glenn Kiekens Glenn Kiekens, PhD, from KU Leuven University in Belgium discusses how researchers measure self-injury and self-harm in real time using advances in technology. Listen Now Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB) with Dr. Peggy Andover Peggy Andover, PhD, from Fordham University talks us through the Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB) intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Psychologists with Lived Experience of Self-Injury with Dr. Sarah Victor Sarah Victor, PhD, from Texas Tech University discusses the prevalence of self-injury among psychologists and psychology graduate students, how psychologists with and without lived experience of self-injury can appropriately provide therapy to clients and supervision to trainees with a history of self-injury, and how individuals with lived experience of self-injury can be involved in teaching and research on self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Lived Experience of Self-Injury: Malika's Story Malika, creator of Selfharmerproblems YouTube and Instagram pages, shares her story of lived experience of self-injury and self-harm. Listen Now Disclosures of Self-Injury with Dr. Brooke Ammerman Brooke Ammerman, PhD, from the University of Notre Dame provides insight into how individuals who self-injure come to decide to disclose their self-injury and self-harm and suggests helpful ways to respond to self-injury disclosures. Listen Now A Mother's Perspective of Her Daughter's Self-Injury A mother shares her experience of when she learned about her daughter's self-injury and self-harm and how she responded as a parent. Listen Now Self-Injury and the Internet with Dr. Stephen Lewis Stephen Lewis, PhD, from the University of Guelph in Canada and Immediate Past President of the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) discusses the state of health information about self-injury on the internet and addresses the risks and benefits of seeking self-injury and self-harm content online. Listen Now Self-Injury Stigma and Language with Dr. Penelope Hasking Penelope Hasking, PhD, from Curtin University in Australia and current President of the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) discusses how the words we use to describe self-injury and those who engage in the behavior may either foster empathy and help-seeking or further stigmatize those who self-injure and self-harm. Listen Now Parenting Youth Who Self-Injure with Dr. Janis Whitlock Janis Whitlock, PhD, from Cornell University and Senior Advisor for The JED Foundation explains what parents and caregivers should look for if they suspect their child is engaging in self-injury. She also discusses how caregivers can effectively talk to their child about self-injury and self-harm and when to seek therapy. Listen Now Nonsuicidal Self-Injury vs. Suicide with Dr. Jennifer Muehlenkamp Jennifer Muehlenkamp, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire describes the difference between suicidal and nonsuicidal self-harm and explains how we came to use the term “nonsuicidal self-injury” (NSSI). She also discusses what characteristics of self-injury place someone at greater risk for attempting suicide. Listen Now Why Do People Self-Injure? with Dr. Nicholas Westers Why do people self-injure or self-harm? Especially when it seems to contradict our instinct for self-preservation? The simple answer is that for the majority of those who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), it helps them to feel better; it’s a coping strategy. But of course, the answer is often more complex than that. Listen Now

Conferences Conferences Our Annual Conference Each year, ISSS hosts their Annual Conference, inviting members and other stakeholders interested in the study of self-injury to meet for two days of sharing, discussion, and collaboration. Find out more about the upcoming conference and past conferences below. 21ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE Stockholm, Sweden JUNE 25-26, 2026 REGISTER NOW Note : Registration will close on Tuesday, 16 June at 12:00 CET. It will still be possible to register after this deadline via emailing ISSS2026@akademikonferens.se ABOUT THE CONFERENCE ABOUT THE PRE-CONFERENCE CLINICAL WORKSHOP ABOUT THE PRE-CONFERENCE CLINICAL WORKSHOP 21st Annual Conference | Stockholm, Sweden More 2026 20th Annual Conference | Wellington, Aotearoa More 2025 19th Annual Conference | Toronto, Canada More 2024 18th Annual Conference | Vienna, Austria More 2023 17th Annual Conference | Online More 2022 16th Annual Conference | Online More 2021 15th Annual Conference | Online More 2020 14th Annual Conference | Orlando, Florida More 2019 13th Annual Conference | Brussels, Belgium More 2018

2023 - 2024 Home / Collaborative Research Program / 2023 Current Projects The 2023-24 cycle of the ISSS Collaborative Research Program (CRP) is now closed. Thanks to those who applied! Applications Closed Cognitive and emotional flexibility in youth with NSSI Mentored by: Tina In-Albon More Peer responses to self-injury Mentored by: Imke Baetens More Examining predictors of co-occurrence of NSSI with other potentially harmful coping behaviours Mentored by: Briana Turner More Understanding NSSI recovery Mentored by: Penny Hasking & Stephen Lewis More Meta-analysis examining co-occurrence of NSSI with “externalizing” behaviours and disorders Mentored by: Briana Turner More

Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life Home / Special Interest Groups / Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life / Member Spotlights Membership Spotlights Explanation of Membership Spotlight. Previous Spotlights Find our previous spotlights below! Read More Dr Glenn Kiekens Two paragraph summary Read More

Who We Are Home / About It is a direct expression of thusness or this-moment-as-it-is - Seo, 2007 "Enso" is a Japanese word meaning circular form and is a symbol from Zen Buddhism that represents enlightenment, strength, connection, and imperfection (Seo, 2007). The enso was chosen as the symbol for ISSS because it reflects the imperfect, cyclical nature of life. Our Mission The mission of the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) and its members is to promote the understanding, prevention, and treatment of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and foster well-being among those with lived NSSI experience and those impacted by NSSI. To accomplish these aims, ISSS focuses its efforts on the following goals: Research Conduct and disseminate state-of-the art research to advance the understanding, assessment, treatment, and prevention of NSSI. Care & Support Develop, evaluate, and promote, and provide evidence-based care to advance clinical understanding of NSSI and its treatment across diverse settings. Outreach Engage in public outreach to improve knowledge of evidence-based prevention, assessment, and treatment options for NSSI. Connection Enhance networking, collaboration, and resource sharing among all stakeholders with an interest in improving the lives of people who engage in NSSI. Membership in ISSS is open to researchers, clinicians, students, people with lived experience with NSSI, advocates, and other stakeholders with an interest in improving the lives of people who engage in NSSI. Executive Board Meet the Leadership ISSS is led by a team of experts in the field and comprises researchers, clinicians, students, advocates, and most importantly, individuals with lived experience of self-injury. All members of the Executive Board are democratically elected by the ISSS Membership, with positions holding varying terms. Find open appointments and meet the team below! A/Prof. Nicholas Westers President Glenn Kiekens, PhD President Elect Lisa Van Hove, PhD Secretary Jason Washburn, PhD Founding Treasurer Professor Stephen Lewis Chair of Strategic Planning Ruth Tatnell, PhD International Member at Large Professor Marc Wilson International Member at Large Brooke Ammermann, PhD Representative at Large Kaylee Kruzan, PhD Representative at Large Greg Lengel, PhD Chair of Media & Communications Michelle Hiner, MSc Webmaster Lizzie Hoelscher, MSc Student Representative Sarah Brecht Lived Experience Representative Treasurer The Treasurer fulfils a crucial administrative role and is responsible for the receipt, custody, and disbursement of all funds and securities of ISSS. They are also responsible for all financial and security related records and communications. Representative at Large: Membership The Rep. at Large (Membership) ensures the growth, satisfaction, and active involvement of ISSS members. Through collaboration and outreach, the Membership RAL fosters and maintains a vibrant, engaged, and expanding community of members. Representative at Large: Social Media The Rep. at Large (Social Media) is responsible for the online presence of ISSS, promoting its mission, activities, and initiatives to stakeholders through consistent and creative engagement across social media platforms. Student Representative Student Representatives are critical members of the ISSS Executive Board. They serve as a liaison between student Members and the Board, advocating for student interests and cultivating community and connection among the student body. Open Positions Ready to join our leadership team? Click on each position to learn more and apply! Our History From list-serve to leaders The International Society for the Study of Self-Injury was esta blished in 2006 by a group of passionate and curious researchers led by Janis Whitlo ck and Nancy Heath. Today, ISSS boasts more than100 members dedicated to our mission. Learn more below about how ISSS came to be the leading international organisation for the study of self-injury. Pre-ISSS In January of 2005, a year before the first ISSS meeting, the findings of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative were disseminated in a book titled, Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders: What We Know and What We Don’t Know . Although intended to summarize the state of the field in adolescent mental health disorders, the volume included no more than half of a page on nonsuicidal self-Injury (NSSI). The absence of NSSI in this volume largely r eflected its nominal presence in academic journals prior to this point. Despite its absence in the literature however, its growing presence in clinical and non-clinical settings had begun to command the attention of a small but increasing group of scholars from diverse disciplines. Although acquainted with each others’ work, there were few forums through which these scholars regularly, if ever, came together as a group. The First Meeting In response to this growing gap between the literature and field experience, Nancy Heath’s Research Team at McGill University initiated a list-serve for professionals interested in the study of self-injury. This was a means of encouraging communication among NSSI scholars within and outside of the US. Shortly after this, in 2006, Janis Whitlock and several colleagues from Cornell University invited a small group of NSSI researchers and treatment specialists to attend a meeting devoted to discussion of what we knew, what we needed to know, and strategies for building a larger field of research and collaboration. The opportunity for exchange created by the gathering was well received and very productive. By the end of the second day, the group had identified a name for the association and plans for continuing ISSS were set. By the group’s second meeting the following year, hosted by Nancy Heath at McGill, over 20 new collaborations had been formed and the group’s membership had swelled considerably. During the third year’s meeting, hosted by Matt Nock at Harvard University, the group collectively decided to begin the process of developing a formal charter and membership. By the fifth year, hosted by David Klonsky at Stony Brook University, we had appointed our first round of officers. The Organisation Today Today, we comprise over 200 members and are in our 20th year of research, care, outreach, and connection. ISSS hosts vibrant and intellectually stimulating annual meetings and fosters meaningful and productive collaborations. Although ISSS continues to expand, our commitment to improving the field of NSSI remains unchanged. Be part of an organisation dedicated to improving wellbeing and reducing stigma, join u s today .

We are an international collaboration of clinicians, researchers, students, and passionate community members dedicated to improving the lives of individuals impacted by non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Welcome The International Society for the Study of Self-Injury We are an international collaboration of experienced clinicians, exp ert researchers, students, and passionate community members dedicated to improving the lives of individuals impacted by nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Through four primary goals, we aim to foster well-being and stamp out stigma: Research Conduct and disseminate state-of-the art research to advance the understanding, assessment, treatment, and prevention of NSSI. Care & Support Develop, evaluate, and promote, and provide evidence-based care to advance clinical understanding of NSSI and its treatment across diverse settings. Outreach Engage in public outreach to improve knowledge of evidence-based prevention, assessment, and treatment options for NSSI. Connection Enhance networking, collaboration, and resource sharing among all stakeholders with an interest in improving the lives of people who engage in NSSI.

NSSI "Wiki" Welcome to the NSSI "Wiki" page! This page contains a brief summary of the most important things to know about non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Introduction What is self-injury? Self-harm or deliberate self-harm (DSH) is an umbrella term that refers to any self-inflicted behaviour regardless of intent [1]. This can include culturally appropriate behaviours (e.g. tattoos, body piercings), risky and dangerous behaviours (e.g. reckless driving), self-destructive behaviours (e.g. hair pulling, drinking excessively, behaviours associated with eating disorders), and poisoning - whether meant as an attempt to end life or not - and/or a suicide attempt. Non-suicidal self-injury also comes under this umbrella. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), or self-injury, is the deliberate damage of body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially sanctioned (2). The term self-harm is typically used to describe both non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempts. It is important to make a distinction between behaviours engaged with and without suicidal intent for a number of reasons: 1. The reason for the behaviors differ: suicide attempts are a way to escape life; NSSI is a way to cope with life; 2. The psychosocial factors associated with each behaviour can differ [3]; 3. The behaviours often look different (e.g., in method, frequency, potential lethality) 4. The responses to each behaviour should differ Talking About Self-Injury Aside from distinguishing NSSI from self-harm, the way we talk about the behaviour itself is important. Traditionally, the discourse around NSSI has been grounded in a medical framework. That is, NSSI is seen as a symptom of an underlying condition that needs to be treated or ‘fixed’. The ultimate goal of treatment is seen as ‘curing’ someone of self-injury, where recovery is defined as a return to ‘normal’ functioning. Further, self-injury has been viewed from a deficit-based perspective. People who self-injure are seen to be lacking in a core skill such as emotion regulation or coping skills. This medical, deficit-based, backdrop can lead to NSSI, and the people who engage in the behaviour, as being further stigmatized and considered faulty in some way. Language is important. It shapes our shared understanding of concepts and ideas, gives value to these (e.g. as good or bad), and when used inappropriately can perpetuate stereotypes and stigma. When stigmatising language around NSSI is used (e.g., "people who self-injure are crazy"), individuals can internalize that messaging (e.g., "I am crazy"), which leads to the individual feeling devalued, misunderstood, and less likely to seek support [4]. In recent years there has been a shift toward talking about NSSI in a non-stigmatizing, person-centred way, emphasizing that a person is not defined by their self-injury [5]. When talking to someone who self-injures, adopt a respectful curiosity, showing a non-judgmental and genuine interest in what is going on for them [6]. We suggest avoiding terms like ‘maladaptive’ and ‘contagion’ which suggest that someone is faulty in some way that is likely to spread to others [7,8]. Top Tips Always be respectful when talking about NSSI, or people with a lived experience of NSSI Poorly-considered language can exacerbate stigma among people who already feel highly stigmatised Avoid language that defines a person by their behaviour (e.g., “cutter”; “self-injurer”) Avoid language that is value-laden (e.g., good/bad; maladaptive), or propagates stigma (e.g., attention-seeking) Use of appropriate language can foster open communication and facilitate support-seeking Check out specific guidelines for members of the media in reporting on and writing about NSSI. Following these principles, media guidelines have been developed to assist media in appropriate reporting of self-injury. These guidelines emphasize [9]: Avoid use of NSSI-related images and details within text, especially of NSSI wounds and methods/tools Highlight efforts to seek treatment, stories of recovery, adaptive coping strategies as alternatives to NSSI, and updated treatment and crisis resources Avoid misinformation about NSSI, by communicating peer reviewed and empirically supported material, including distinguishing NSSI from suicide Present information neutrally; avoid exaggerated descriptions of NSSI prevalence and sensational headlines that include NSSI, especially the method of NSSI Use non-stigmatising language and avoid terms that conflate person and behaviour (e.g. ‘cutter’) Ensure that online article comments are responsibly moderated. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2022). Self-harm: Assessment, management and preventing recurrence (NICE Guideline No. NG225) . https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng225 International Society for the Study of Self-Injury. (2022). What is self-injury? https://www.itriples.org/aboutnssi/what-is-self-injury Brausch, A. M., & Gutierrez, P. M. (2010). Differences in non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempts in adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39 (3), 233–242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-009-9482-0 Staniland, L., Hasking, P., Boyes, M., & Lewis, S. (2021). Stigma and nonsuicidal self-injury: Application of a conceptual framework. Stigma and Health, 6 (3), 312–323. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000257 Lewis, S. P. (2017). I cut therefore I am? Avoiding labels in the context of self-injury. Medical Humanities, 43 (3), 204-204. https://doi.org/10.1136/medhum-2017-011221 Walsh, B. W. (2012). Treating self-injury: A practical guide (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press. Hasking, P., & Boyes, M. (2018). Cutting words: a commentary on language and stigma in the context of nonsuicidal self-injury. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 206 (11), 829-833. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000000899 Hasking, P., Lewis, S. P., & Boyes, M. E. (2019). When language is maladaptive: recommendations for discussing self-injury. Journal of Public Mental Health, 18 (2), 148-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-01-2019-0014 Westers, N. J., Lewis, S. P., Whitlock, J., Schatten, H. T., Ammerman, B., Andover, M. S., & Lloyd-Richardson, E. E. (2021). Media guidelines for the responsible reporting and depicting of non-suicidal self-injury. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 219 (2), 415-418. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2020.191 Experiences of Self-Injury Disclosure of Self-Injury People can learn about another person’s self-injury in several ways including if they happen to notice signs of self-injury (e.g., seeing scarring, witnessing the person self-injure), being told by a third party, or when the person who has self-injured intentionally shares this information with them [1]. When a person directly and willfully tells another person that they have self-injured this is considered to be “voluntary disclosure” of self-injury. Estimates of how many people have disclosed their self-injury voluntarily vary across studies, partly depending on the population being surveyed [2]. Generally 40-50% of people who have self-injured have disclosed this to another person, amongst xxx. When people do disclose their self-injury they tend to tell people they have a personal relationship with rather than talking to professionals about their self-injury [2]. Disclosures in personal relationships are often made in friendships and romantic relationships, though disclosures to parents and siblings are more common for younger people [2]. Mirichlis, S., Lewis, S. P., Boyes, M., & Hasking, P. (2025). Exploring voluntary disclosure of non‐suicidal self‐injury: A thematic analysis. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 35 (4), e70126. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.70126 Simone, A. C., & Hamza, C. A. (2020). Examining the disclosure of nonsuicidal self-injury to informal and formal sources: A review of the literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 82 (1), 101907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101907 Self-Injury Stigma Stigma refers to the culmination of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination [1]. Many behaviors, experiences, and identities are stigmatized. While self-injury stigma has been described by individuals with lived experience, researchers have only recently begun to investigate its manifestations and impacts (ref). It is argued that self-injury stigma is distinct from other forms of stigma because self-injury is a socially unacceptable behavior associated with mental illness that can leave visible marks. As such, self-injury attracts three forms of stigma: behavioral (related to act of harming oneself), physical (related to the physical and sometimes long-lasting marks caused by self-injury), and mental (representing the aspect of NSSI stigma that overlaps with mental illness stigma) [3]. The NSSI Stigma Framework [3] outlines four perspectives through which NSSI stigma manifests, with a fifth perspective being suggested in subsequent research. These perspectives represent how stigma is experienced and perpetuated. Additionally, the NSSI Stigma Framework identifies why self-injury is stigmatized, categorising manifestations of self-injury stigma into the domains outlined by Jones and colleagues [4]. Andersen, M. M., Varga, S., & Folker, A. P. (2022). On the definition of stigma. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 28 (5), 847-853. https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.13684 Burke, T. A., Piccirillo, M. L., Moore‐Berg, S. L., Alloy, L. B., & Heimberg, R. G. (2019). The stigmatization of nonsuicidal self‐injury. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75 (3), 481-498.https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.2271 Staniland, L., Hasking, P., Boyes, M., & Lewis, S. (2021). Stigma and nonsuicidal self-injury: Application of a conceptual framework. Stigma and Health, 6 (3), 312-323. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000257 Jones, E. E., Farina, A., Hastorf, A. H., Markus, H., Miller, D. T., & Scott, R. A. (1984). Social stigma: The psychology of marked relationships. New York, NY: W. H. Freeman and Company. Self-Injury Recovery Historically, NSSI recovery has emphasised cessation of the behaviour. This, in many ways, aligns with traditional medical frameworks [1,2]. Over the past few years, however, growing attention has been paid to understanding NSSI recovery from a lived experience perspective [1,2,3,4]. Efforts in this regard have pointed to the complexity of recovery and led to the development of a person-centred framework [2]. Consistent with its person-centred nature, the components of the framework will have varying levels of relevance to different people. In other words, recovery experiences vary and not all components will be relevant to a given person. Components can also differ in their salience for a person across time (e.g., one component may be more important early vs later in recovery). The main components of this framework are: Realistic Expectations and Setbacks : Given its nonlinear nature, there may be setbacks (e.g., instances of NSSI) during recovery; these are expected and normal. Normalizing Thoughts and Urges : Thoughts about, and urges, to self-injure are also a normal part of the process. These may never fully go away but will abate in frequency and intensity. Self-efficacy: People develop efficacy to resist urges and find alternatives to replace self-injury. Finding Alternatives : Recovery involves finding new ways to respond to NSSI urges and to meet the need(s) of NSSI. Identifying Strengths : All people who self-injure have strengths that can be drawn upon and fostered in recovery. Addressing Underlying Adversities : NSSI occurs in a context and a person’s unique adversities (e.g., mental health difficulties, trauma) merit attention. Addressing and Accepting Scarring : Scarring from self-injury may be a concern (e.g., being stigmatised, feeling shame). Support may be needed to promote scar acceptance. Navigating Disclosures : People may wish to share their lived experience at different time points; they should do so only when they are ready but may need support when making this choice. Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion : While working on recovery, self-acceptance and self-compassion can be cultivated. Resilience and Meaning-Making : People develop resilience and can find meaning in their lives by navigating through the above components Whereas some models of recovery suggest a stepwise progression, the person-centred framing of NSSI recovery emphasises a non-linear process. Thus, recovery is bound to ebb and flow (e.g., setbacks may occur). The non-linearity of the framework also means that the process itself may not have an ‘end-point’ and may continue ongoingly. Finally, a core tenet of this framework is that all people have strengths and that as people chart their own recovery path, they can build resilience, acceptance, and forge meaning in their lives [2,4]. Lewis, S. P., & Hasking, P. A. (2020). Rethinking self-injury recovery: A commentary and conceptual reframing. BJPsych Bulletin, 44 (2), 44-46. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2019.51 Lewis, S. P., & Hasking, P. A. (2021). Self‐injury recovery: A person‐centered framework. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77 (4), 884-895. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23094 Lewis, S. P., Kenny, T. E., Whitfield, K., & Gomez, J. (2019). Understanding self‐injury recovery: Views from individuals with lived experience. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75 (12), 2119-2139. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22834 Lewis, S. P., & Hasking, P. A. (2023). Understanding self-injury: A person-centered approach. Oxford University Press. The Functions of NSSI People engage in NSSI for many different reasons, meaning it serves distinct functions for different people and within the same person. Research has shown that people first begin engaging in NSSI and continue doing so for a variety of intrapersonal (i.e., reinforced by the self) and interpersonal reasons (i.e., reinforced by others) [1,2]. People who engage in NSSI report doing so for intrapersonal reasons much more often than for interpersonal reasons [3,4]. Research has repeatedly shown that the most common function of NSSI is to lessen the intensity of negative internal states, including feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and sadness [2,5,6]. Yet, some people report engaging in NSSI to end feelings of emotional numbness, to punish themselves, and as an alternative to acting on suicidal urges, all of which are self-reinforcing [5,6,7]. Contrastingly, interpersonal or socially reinforced functions describe NSSI reasons that facilitate help-seeking and/or an escape from undesired social situations [2,8]. For instance, it may act as a way of communicating pain, indicating toughness, and keeping others who cause harm away (e.g., bullies, abusers)[9,10]. NSSI may also act to increase connectedness or in-group affiliation with peers [5,11]. Examples of Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Reasons for NSSI [5,9] Intrapersonal (Automatic) Functions of NSSI Interpersonal (Social) Functions of NSSI While NSSI functions are often categorized as intrapersonal or interpersonal, it is worth noting that no function is purely interpersonal or purely intrapersonal [12]. Though intrapersonal functions for NSSI are more common than interpersonal functions, many people report engaging in NSSI for the first time for social reasons [4,9]. For example, a person may begin self-injuring to feel more connected with peers who engage in NSSI but continue to do so to help them cope with negative emotions. Therefore, people’s reasons for engaging in self-injury are not limited to one particular interpersonal or intrapersonal function, and their reasoning can change over time [9,12]. Klonsky, E. D., Glenn, C. R., Styer, D. M., Olino, T. M., & Washburn, J. J. (2015). The functions of nonsuicidal self-injury: Converging evidence for a two-factor structure. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 9 ( 44), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-015-0073-4 Nock, M. K. (2009). Why do people hurt themselves?: New insights into the nature and functions of self-injury. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18 (2), 78-83. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01613.x Kim, H., & Hur, J. (2022). What’s different about those who have ceased self-injury? Comparison between current and lifetime nonsuicidal self-injury. Archives of Suicide Research, 27 (2), 718-733. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2022.2064256 Tatnell, R., Kelada, L., Hasking, P., & Martin, G. (2014). Longitudinal analysis of adolescent NSSI: The role of intrapersonal and interpersonal factors. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 42 , 885-896. https://doi.org/10.1007.s10802-013-9837-6 Klonsky, E. D., & Glenn, C. R. (2009). Assessing the functions of non-suicidal self-injury: Psychometric properties of the inventory of statements about self-injury (ISAS). Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 31 (3), 215-219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-008-9107-z Taylor, P. J., Jomar, K., Dhingra, K., Forrester, R., Shahmalak, U., & Dickson, J. M. (2018). A meta-analysis of the prevalence of different functions of non-suicidal self-injury. Journal of Affective Disorders, 227 , 759-769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.11.073 Rallis, B. A., Deming, C. A., Glenn, J. J., & Nock, M. K. (2012). What is the role of dissociation and emptiness in the occurrence of Nonsuicidal self-injury? Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 26 (4), 287-298. https://doi.org/10.1891/0889-8391.26.4.287 Klonsky, E. D. (2007). The functions of deliberate self-injury: A review of the evidence. Clinical Psychology Review, 27 (2), 226-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2006.08.002 Lewis, S. P., & Hasking, P. A. (2023). Understanding self-injury: A person-centered approach. Oxford University Press. Nock, M. K. (2008). Actions speak louder than words: An elaborated theoretical model of the social functions of self-injury and other harmful behaviors. Applied and Preventive Psychology, 12 (4), 159-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appsy.2008.05.002 Muehlenkamp, J., Brausch, A., Quigley, K., & Whitlock, J. (2012). Interpersonal features and functions of nonsuicidal self-injury. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 43 (1), 67–80. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1943-278x.2012.00128.x Taylor, P. J., Dhingra, K., Peel-Wainwright, K. M., & Gardner, K. J. (2024). The functions of nonsuicidal self-injury. In E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. L. Whitlock (Eds.), The oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury (pp. 89-106). Oxford University Press. Estimated Prevalence NSSI often begins during early to mid-adolescence [1]. In non-clinical samples, approximately one in five adolescents report engaging in NSSI at least once [2,3]. Among emerging adults (18-29 years), this increases to 42% [4]. Commensurate with this, NSSI appears particularly common among college students [5]. Recent results suggest that up to one quarter of college students have engaged in NSSI [6]. Prevalence among adults aged over 30 years, averages 20% [4]. Less work has explored NSSI among younger children. A recent meta-analysis of NSSI among pre-adolescents (before the age of 13 years) estimated a rate of 6.25% among community-based youth, and 37.38% among clinical samples [7]. In clinical samples, rates of NSSI are higher, although estimates vary significantly based on study design, population studied, and lack of reliable epidemiological data [8]. Turner, B. J., Porter, A. C., & Robillard, C. L. (2024). Average ages of onset and time to transition between self-injurious thoughts and behaviors: retrospective evidence from two developmentally distinct samples. Journal of Affective Disorders, 363 , 465-473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.105 Moloney, F., Amini, J., Sinyor, M., Schaffer, A., Lanctôt, K. L., & Mitchell, R. H. (2024). Sex differences in the global prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: a meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 7 (6), e2415436. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15436 Xiao, Q., Song, X., Huang, L., Hou, D., & Huang, X. (2022). Global prevalence and characteristics of non-suicidal self-injury between 2010 and 2021 among a non-clinical sample of adolescents: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13 , 912441. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.912441 Liu R. T. (2023). The epidemiology of non-suicidal self-injury: lifetime prevalence, sociodemographic and clinical correlates, and treatment use in a nationally representative sample of adults in England. Psychological Medicine, 53 (1), 274–282. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003329172100146X Kiekens, G., Bruffaerts, R., Claes, L., Hasking, P., & Kessler, R. (2023). A longitudinal investigation of non-suicidal self-injury persistence patterns, risk factors, and clinical outcomes during the college period. Psychological Medicine, 53 , 6011-6026. Hasking, P., Kiekens, G., Petukhova, M. V., Albor, Y., Al-Hadi, A., Alonso, J., ... & Kessler, R. (2025). The relationships between sporadic and repetitive non-suicidal self-injury and mental disorders among first-year college students: results from the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. Psychological Medicine, 55 , e280. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291725100688 Liu, R. T., Walsh, R. F. L., Sheehan, A. E., Cheek, S. M., & Sanzari, C. M. (2022). Prevalence and correlates of suicide and nonsuicidal self-injury in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 79 (7), 718–726. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.1256 Muehlenkamp, J. J., & Tillotson, V. (2024). Overview and epidemiology of NSSI in clinical samples. In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. L. Whitlock (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury (pp. 127–148). Oxford University Press. Male/Female Gender Differences Self-injury appears to be more common among women than men in North America and Europe (1). Differences in prevalence are especially pronounced in clinical samples, which estimate female patients are 1.5 to 1.8 times more likely to self-injure than male patients (2). Self-injury is also much more common among incarcerated women than incarcerated men (3). This gender disparity in rates of self-injury can be partially explained by women’s higher levels of psychological distress compared to men (4), a population-level phenomenon which can be attributed to a complex interplay of individual and sociocultural influences (5). However, gender disparities in self-injury prevalence vary geographically; rates of self-injury do not significantly differ between men and women in Asia (1). The factors influencing cultural and geographic differences in gender disparities are not well established. Evidence for gender differences in self-injury characteristics or clinical presentation is limited and mixed. It appears that men and women are largely similar in their reported reasons for self-injuring, with reducing tension, releasing anger or frustration, and self-punishment being the most common functions (6,7). There may be patterns of difference in the methods and locations of self-injury, with women more likely than men to scratch, rub, or pinch themselves and self-injure on their stomach or legs, and men more likely than women to self-injure on their chest (8). Women may also experience more self-injury urges (8) and greater versatility of self-injury functions than men (6), which may be indicators of more clinically severe self-injury. However, there is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about male/female differences in self-injury presentation. Most English-language self-injury research over the past century has focused on the experiences of young women (9). Self-injury is likely underreported among men due to gender-based stereotypes which impact help seeking and bias interpretation of self-injuring behaviours (10). For example, clinicians and men themselves may not recognise their behaviours as self-injury, such as punching walls when upset which is generally interpreted as an act of aggression despite conforming to clinical definitions of self-injury. Moloney, F., Amini, J., Sinyor, M., Schaffer, A., Lanctôt, K. L., & Mitchell, R. H. (2024). Sex differences in the global prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: a meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 7 (6), e2415436. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15436 Muehlenkamp, J. J., & Tillotson, V. (2024). Overview and epidemiology of NSSI in clinical samples. In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. L. Whitlock (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury (pp. 127–148). Oxford University Press. Winicov, N. (2024). Self-injury in prison populations. In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. L. Whitlock (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury (pp. 616–637). Oxford University Press. Lutz, N. M., Neufeld, S. A., Hook, R. W., Jones, P. B., Bullmore, E. T., Goodyer, I. M., ... & Wilkinson, P. O. (2023). Why is non-suicidal self-injury more common in women? Mediation and moderation analyses of psychological distress, emotion dysregulation, and impulsivity. Archives of Suicide Research, 27 (3), 905-921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.224 Hyde, J. S., & Mezulis, A. H. (2020). Gender differences in depression: biological, affective, cognitive, and sociocultural factors. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 28 (1), 4-13. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000230 Lutz, N. M., Chamberlain, S. R., Grant, J. E., Lochner, C., Wilkinson, P. O., Ford, T. J., & Neufeld, S. A. (2024). Similarities and differences in the functions of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) across gender non-conforming and cisgender young adults. Journal of Affective Disorders, 367 , 496-506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.224 Tofthagen, R., Gabrielsson, S., Fagerström, L., Haugerud, L. M., & Lindgren, B. M. (2022). Men who self‐harm—A scoping review of a complex phenomenon. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78 (5), 1187-1211. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15132 Victor, S. E., Muehlenkamp, J. J., Hayes, N. A., Lengel, G. J., Styer, D. M., & Washburn, J. J. (2018). Characterizing gender differences in nonsuicidal self-injury: Evidence from a large clinical sample of adolescents and adults. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 82 , 53-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.01.009 Millard, C. (2013). Making the cut: The production of ‘self-harm’ in post-1945 Anglo-Saxon psychiatry. History of the Human Sciences, 26 (2), 126-150. https://doi.org/10.1177/0952695112473619 Inckle, K. (2014). Strong and silent: Men, masculinity, and self-injury. Men and Masculinities, 17 (1), 3-21. https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184X13516960 Populations at Higher Risk of Self-Injury People with Psychiatric Diagnoses Though some people who self-injure have no associated mental health condition, self-injury is much more common among people with psychiatric diagnoses and is associated with a range of different conditions. This includes mood, eating, anxiety, personality, behavioural, and psychotic disorders [1]. Borderline Personality Disorder is the diagnosis most strongly associated with self-injury, given that self-injury is one of its DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria [2]. An estimated 50-90% of people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder have self-injured [1]. Rates of self-injury are also high among people with panic disorder, PTSD, and binge-eating/purging subtype eating disorders [1]. Muehlenkamp, J. J., & Tillotson, V. (2024). Overview and epidemiology of NSSI in clinical samples. In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. L. Whitlock (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury (pp. 127–148). Oxford University Press. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing. LGBTQIA+ People Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ are at much higher risk of self-injury than their cisgender heterosexual peers (1). Self-injury prevalence appears to be particularly high among transgender, non-binary, and other gender diverse young people and among bisexual women (2). Applications of Minority Stress Theory (3) and the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Model (4) explain that this higher incidence of self-injury can be attributed to the psychological impact of stressors related to societal homophobia and transphobia (1). Distress associated with gender dysphoria can also be a trigger for self-injury (5). Zullo, L., Rogers, M. L., & Taliaferro, L. A. (2024) NSSI Among Sexual and Gender Diverse Youth. In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. L. Whitlock (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury (pp. 659–679). Oxford University Press. Liu, R. T., Sheehan, A. E., Walsh, R. F., Sanzari, C. M., Cheek, S. M., & Hernandez, E. M. (2019). Prevalence and correlates of non-suicidal self-injury among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 74 , 101783. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101783 Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129 (5), 674-697. Testa, R. J., Habarth, J., Peta, J., Balsam, K., & Bockting, W. (2015). Development of the gender minority stress and resilience measure. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 2 (1), 65-77. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000081 Hird, K., Boyes, M., Strauss, P., & Hasking, P. (2024). Trans young people’s experiences of nonsuicidal self-injury. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 2024 , 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000742 People who Have Experienced Abuse or Trauma Childhood abuse and neglect are well-established risk factors for self-injury, particularly emotional and sexual abuse (1,2). Traumatic experiences in adulthood, including sexual assault, can also contribute to the initiation of self-injury (3). There are many potential pathways linking trauma and self-injury. Trauma can be defined as an experience which overwhelms one’s ability to cope (4), and self-injury is often a means of coping with overwhelming distress. Research in neurobiology and child development describe the long-term impacts of trauma and how these can create vulnerability for self-injury (5,6). Individuals describe self-injuring to escape dissociation, intrusive memories, and other trauma symptomatology; to punish themselves in response to trauma-related shame; and to deter further abuse (6). Calvo et al. (2024) Childhood maltreatment and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescent population: A systematic review and meta-analysis Serafini et al. (2023) Early Childhood Trauma and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. Oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury. Watters & Yalch (2022) Relative effects of sexual assault and other traumatic life events on self-harm Herman (1992) Trauma and Recovery Kaes et al. (2021) Advancing a temporal framework for understanding the biology of nonsuicidal self- injury: An expert review Smith, Kouros, Meuret (2014) The role of trauma symptoms in nonsuicidal self-injury. People in Prisons People incarcerated in prisons and other forms of detention are at significantly higher risk of self-injury compared to the general population (1). Rates of self-injury tend to be highest in maximum-security settings. Contributing factors include high levels of suffering and low access to positive coping methods, isolation from social support systems, and low availability of professional mental health support. Self-injury can also be a means of influencing the environment in a setting where individuals are stripped of power and subjected to extreme adversity, for instance self-injuring in order to be moved from solitary confinement to a hospital facility. Winicov, N. (2024). Self-injury in prison populations. In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. L. Whitlock (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury (pp. 616–637). Oxford University Press. NSSI in the DSM Nonsuicidal Self-Injury is included in the 2022 update of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR) in the category “Other Conditions That May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention”, with classifications for “Current Nonsuicidal Self-Injury” and “History of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury” [1]. This means that it is not yet a verified psychiatric diagnosis but may become one with further research. Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder (NSSI-D) was initially included in the 2013 edition of the DSM-5 as a “Condition for Further Study” [2]. Several arguments have been made for the inclusion of NSSI as a standalone diagnostic category. Recently, the perspectives of people with lived experience has been explored i. Results from this line of research has illuminated both potential advantages and disadvantages [3,4]. Among the main advantages identified are: potential improvements in the awareness and understanding of NSSI, reductions in stigma, increased comfort to disclose and seek support for NSSI, and facilitation of and improvements in treatment. In contrast, people with lived experience also see potential disadvantages. These include worsening of NSSI stigma, NSSI becoming a central focus at the expense of considering people’s other concerns (e.g., underlying mental health difficulties), and concerns about how a diagnostic category of NSSI may be used and whether it is even needed. Notably, DSM diagnoses for self-injury have been proposed several times in the past. Deliberate Self-Harm Syndrome was proposed by Kahan and Pattison in 1984 [5], Repetitive Self-Mutilation Syndrome by Favazza and Rosenthal in 1990 [6], and Deliberate Self-Injury Syndrome by Muehlenkamp in 2005 [7]. In 2009, Shaffer and Jacobson proposed Nonsuicidal Self-Injury as a DSM-5 diagnosis, leading to its current inclusion [8]. Self-injury is also included in the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder in the DSM-5-TR. To receive the diagnosis, someone must endorse five out of nine possible criteria, one of which is: “Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior” [1]. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing. Lewis, S. P., Bryant, L. A., Schaefer, B. M., & Grunberg, P. H. (2017). In their own words: Perspectives on nonsuicidal self-injury disorder among those with lived experience. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 205 (10), 771-779. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000000733 Lengel, G. J., Ammerman, B. A., Bell, K. A., & Washburn, J. J. (2024). The potential impact of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: insights from individuals with lived experience. Qualitative Research in Medicine & Healthcare, 8 , 12631. https://doi.org/10.4081/qrmh.2024.12631 Kahan, J., & Pattison, E. M. (1984). Proposal for a distinctive diagnosis: The deliberate self‐harm syndrome (DSH). Suicide and Life‐Threatening Behavior, 14 (1), 17-35. Favazza, A. R., & Rosenthal, R. J. (1990). Varieties of pathological self‐mutilation. Behavioural Neurology, 3(2), 77-85. Muehlenkamp, J. J. (2005). Self‐injurious behavior as a separate clinical syndrome. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 75 (2), 324-333. https://doi.org/10.1037/0002-9432.75.2.324 Shaffer, D., & Jacobson, C. (2009). Proposal to the DSM-V childhood disorder and mood disorder work groups to include non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) as a DSM-V disorder. American Psychiatric Association, 2009 , 1-21. DSM-5 Criteria for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder (NSSI-D) A. In the last year, the individual has, on 5 or more days, engaged in intentional self-inflicted damage to the surface of his or her body of a sort likely to induce bleeding, bruising, or pain (e.g., cutting, burning, stabbing, hitting, excessive rubbing), with the expectation that the injury will lead to only minor or moderate physical harm (i.e., there is no suicidal intent). B. The individual engages in the self-injurious behavior with one or more of the following expectations: 1. To obtain relief from a negative feeling or cognitive state. 2. To resolve an interpersonal difficulty. 3. To induce a positive feeling state. C. The intentional self-injury is associated with at least one of the following: 1. Interpersonal difficulties or negative feelings or thoughts, such as depression, anxiety, tension, anger, generalized distress, or self-criticism, occurring in the period immediately prior to the self-injurious act. 2. Prior to engaging in the act, a period of preoccupation with the intended behavior that is difficult to control. 3. Thinking about self-injury that occurs frequently, even when it is not acted upon. D. The behavior is not socially sanctioned (e.g., body piercing, tattooing, part of a religious or cultural ritual) and is not restricted to picking a scab or nail biting. E. The behavior or its consequences cause clinically significant distress or interference in interpersonal, academic, or other important areas of functioning. F. The behavior does not occur exclusively during psychotic episodes, delirium, substance intoxication, or substance withdrawal. In individuals with a neurodevelopmental disorder, the behavior is not part of a pattern of repetitive stereotypies. The behavior is not better explained by another mental disorder or medical condition (e.g., psychotic disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual developmental disorder [intellectual disability], Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, stereotypic movement disorder with self-injury, trichotillomania [hair-pulling disorder], excoriation [skin-picking] disorder). Theoretical Models of NSSI Four Function Model The four function model asserts that NSSI serves four functions: automatic negative reinforcement, automatic positive reinforcement, social negative reinforcement, and social positive reinforcement (1). Automatic negative reinforcement occurs when one self-injures to avoid, reduce, or distract from an unwanted emotional state (1). This function suggests that NSSI can be a method of regulating emotions. This function is the most commonly endorsed by individuals who engage in NSSI (52.9%). Those who endorse this function are more likely to report higher feelings of hopelessness and past suicide attempts (1). Automatic positive reinforcement occurs when one self-injures to induce a desired emotional state (e.g. the desire to feel something or self-punishment) (1). Those who endorse this function are more likely to report symptoms of major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, these symptoms are associated with feelings of emptiness and detachment (1). Social negative reinforcement occurs when one self-injures to avoid an unpleasant situation or task (1). This function is endorsed less often than the automatic functions. Social positive reinforcement occurs when one self-injures to gain something (e.g. care or attention) from others (1). Those who endorse this function have also reported awareness of a greater number of self-injury occurrences carried out by friends. 1. Hird, Hasking, & Boyes (2024) A Comparison of the Theoretical Models of NSSI. Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. Experiential Avoidance Model The experiential avoidance model posits that NSSI is an avoidance behavior (similar to the social negative reinforcement function) where self-injury is used as a method of avoiding, escaping, or distracting from an unwanted emotion or external factor that promotes unwanted emotions (1). This model begins with a stimulus which triggers an unwanted emotional response. This response may trigger the urge to self-harm to escape discomfort. Consequently, the self-harming behavior is reinforced by the emotional relief that follows (1). 1. Hird, Hasking, & Boyes (2024) A Comparison of the Theoretical Models of NSSI. Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. Emotional Cascade Model The emotional cascade model was initially developed to understand risky behaviors within the context of borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been applied to understand NSSI in general (1). This model is based on the concept of rumination, which occurs when an individual repetitively thinks about negative thoughts, feelings, or experiences (1). Individuals use rumination in hopes that it will help them solve problems or better understand their emotions. However, rumination is more likely to aid the individual in achieving the opposite outcome as it has been found to increase negative emotions (1). In the emotional cascade model, the negative emotions resulting from rumination causes further rumination which, in turn, results in greater negative emotions. This cycle is what is known as an “emotional cascade.” Individuals who get caught in these emotional cascades are more likely to engage in NSSI to disrupt the cycle of rumination and return to a more neutral emotional state (1). 1. Hird, Hasking, & Boyes (2024) A Comparison of the Theoretical Models of NSSI. Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. Integrated Model The integrated model was designed to build upon the four function model by addressing genetic and environmental factors (e.g. childhood maltreatment or a hostile familial environment) that can lead to the development of intra- and interpersonal difficulties such as increased negative thoughts and emotions, poor distress tolerance, and social difficulties (1). These difficulties increase the risk of a person engaging in NSSI in response to stress. There exist a number of hypothesized processes by which someone who possesses these risk factors may come to self-injure. One example is the social learning hypothesis which suggests that if someone is exposed to self-injury through family, friends, or the media they are more likely to engage in the behavior themselves (1). Other theories suggest that people may self-injure because it is an efficient and effective method of regulating their emotions. Another process is the self-punishment hypothesis where one engages in NSSI to satisfy self-punishment desires (1). 1. Hird, Hasking, & Boyes (2024) A Comparison of the Theoretical Models of NSSI. Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. Cognitive-Emotional Model The goal of the cognitive-emotional model is to explain why someone possessing NSSI risk factors would self-injure instead of using other emotion regulation strategies (1). This theory utilizes two elements from the social cognitive theory to explain what cognitions lead someone to self-injure: outcome expectancies (anticipated consequences of engaging in a behavior) and self-efficacy (perceived ability to engage in a behavior). It has been theorized that those who expect engaging in NSSI will yield a desirable outcome and have low self-efficacy to resist NSSI urges are more likely to engage in NSSI than others (1). 1. Hird, Hasking, & Boyes (2024) A Comparison of the Theoretical Models of NSSI. Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. Barriers and Benefits Model This model implies that there are a variety of factors that can motivate a person to self-injure (benefits), along with a number of factors that may deter them from doing so (barriers, 1). Benefits of engaging in NSSI include reduction of negative emotions, self-punishment, peer group affiliation (self-injuring to maintain status within a group), and communicating distress (1). Common barriers of engaging in NSSI include lack of awareness of the behavior, positive representations of the self, pain avoidance, blood/wound aversion, and social norms (experiencing stigma, 1). 1. Hird, Hasking, & Boyes (2024) A Comparison of the Theoretical Models of NSSI. Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury. History Non-suicidal self-injury has been recognised and studied as a distinct clinical phenomenon for well over a century, particularly in the USA. Although the 20th-century psychiatrist Karl Menninger is often credited with the initial clinical characterization of self-injury (then called self-mutilation) in his 1938 book Man Against Himself [1], there are several examples of earlier descriptions [2]. 19th-century asylum records distinguish between self-injury with and without suicidal intent [3]. In 1896, doctors George Gould and Walter Pyle categorized self-mutilation into three groups: those resulting from "temporary insanity from hallucinations or melancholia; with suicidal intent; and in a religious frenzy or emotion" [4]. Several case studies of patients who self-injure were published in the late 19th and early 20th century [2], largely written from a psychoanalytic perspective. Clinical focus on self-injury began to grow in the 1960s. The first research symposium on “impulsive self-mutilation” was held in 1967 in Maryland, United States [5]. The papers presented at this symposium set the tone for self-injury research in the following decades, including introducing the term “delicate self-cutting” as a primarily female behaviour [6]. The first self-injury specific treatment centre in America was opened by Dr. Wendy Lader and Karen Conterio in 1986 [7]. The late 1980s saw the publication of two landmark books, Bodies Under Siege: Self-mutilation in Culture and Psychiatry (1987) by Dr. Armando Favazza and Self-Mutilation: Theory, Research, and Practice (1988) by Dr. Barent Walsh and Dr .Paul Rosen, which set out classification frameworks for various types of non-suicidal self-injury and provide clinical guidance for their treatment (8,9). In 1989, the first conference focused on lived experience of self-harm was held in the UK by the advocacy group Survivors Speak Out [10]. Public and professional interest in self-injury grew substantially in the 1990s. Prominent psychologists Dr. Marsha Linehan, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, and Dr. Judith Herman advanced the field with their discussions of self-injury in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder and childhood trauma [11,12]. The number and diversity of mental health professionals publishing on self-injury greatly expanded, introducing new ways of understanding self-injury including feminist psychology and lived experience perspectives (13,14). Self-injury also became more prominent in the media, particularly after a 1995 BBC interview in which Princess Diana disclosed experiences of self-injury [15]. The International Society for the Study of Self-Injury was founded in 2006 [16], marking the beginning of a global collaboration to promote evidence-based information about self-injury. The field of professionals dedicated to improving support for people who self-injure, and public awareness of self-injury, has continued to grow since then. Menninger, K. A. (1938). Man against himself . Harcourt, Brace. Angelotta, C. (2015). Defining and refining self-harm: A historical perspective on nonsuicidal self-injury. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 203 (2), 75-80. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000000243 Chaney, S. (2017). Psyche on the skin: A history of self-harm. Reaktion Books. Gould, G. M. (1966). Anomalies and curiosities of medicine. Blacksleet River. Burnham, R. C. (1969). Symposium on impulsive self‐mutilation: Discussion. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 42 (3), 223-229. Pao, P. N. (1969). The syndrome of delicate self-cutting. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 42, 195-206. https://selfinjury.com/home/about-us/history/ Favazza (1987) Bodies Under Siege: Self-mutilation in Culture and Psychiatry Walsh & Rosen (1988) Self-Mutilation: Theory, Research, and Practice Chaney & Copperman (2023) Women Listening to Women: Radical Reflections on Self-Injury Support Van der Kolk, Perry, Herman (1991) Childhood origins of self-destructive behavior. Linehan (1993) Cognitive-behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder Smith, Cox, & Saradjian (1998) Women and Self-Harm Self-Harm: Perspectives from Personal Experience (1994) https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/princess-diana-panorama-secrets-prince-charles-affair-bulimia-martin-bashir-b1205376.html https://www.itriples.org/who-we-are

ISSS Rising Stars About /Awards / ISSS Rising Stars Recognizing Potential ISSS Rising Stars are dedicated early-career researchers, clinicians, or advocates whose work demonstrates potential and commitment to make a significant contribution to the field and to the lives of people with lived experience. 2023 Rising Star Read more Dr Kathryn Fox Dr Fox is an Assistant Professor in the clinical child psychology Ph.D. Program at the University of Denver, where she also directs the Fox Lab in the Department of Psychology. Rising Stars of ISSS 2021 Dr. Sarah Victor Dr. Victor is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University (United States) where she leads the Tracking Risk Over Time Lab (TRTL). Read more...

ISSS Rising Stars About /Awards / ISSS Rising Stars Recognizing Potential ISSS Rising Stars are dedicated early-career researchers, clinicians, or advocates whose work demonstrates potential and commitment to make a significant contribution to the field and to the lives of people with lived experience. 2023 Rising Star Read more Dr Kathryn Fox Dr Fox is an Assistant Professor in the clinical child psychology Ph.D. Program at the University of Denver, where she also directs the Fox Lab in the Department of Psychology. Rising Stars of ISSS 2022 Dr. Glenn Kiekens Dr. Kiekens is as an Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology at Tilburg University (Netherlands) and Senior Research Fellow at KU Leuven (Belgium). Read more...

ISSS Rising Stars About /Awards / ISSS Rising Stars Recognizing Potential ISSS Rising Stars are dedicated early-career researchers, clinicians, or advocates whose work demonstrates potential and commitment to make a significant contribution to the field and to the lives of people with lived experience. 2023 Rising Star Read more Dr Kathryn Fox Dr Fox is an Assistant Professor in the clinical child psychology Ph.D. Program at the University of Denver, where she also directs the Fox Lab in the Department of Psychology. Rising Stars of ISSS 2020 Dr. Brooke Ammerman Dr. Ammerman is a Professor at the University of Notre Dame (United States) where she is Director of the Affect, Suicide, Self-Injury, and Social Triggers (ASSIST) Lab and Co-Director of the Notre Dame Suicide Prevention Initiative. Read more...