Search Results

Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life Collaboration / Special Interest Groups / Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life Advancing Tangible Benefits The Consortium for Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life (SIDL) is an interdisciplinary and international group of researchers, clinicians, and advocates who aim to build expertise and capacity to better understand, predict, and prevent key NSSI outcomes as they are experienced in individuals' everyday lives. Our Mission Promote person-centered care and the development and implementation of personalized prevention and novel digital interventions in the treatment of NSSI. Better understand the short-term course of NSSI thoughts, urges, and behaviors in daily life, the individual risk and protective factors, and the relationship with long-term change. Consider the responsibilities of studying NSSI in daily life and provide guidance to stakeholders across different cultural and intersectional contexts. Discover More NSSI occurs in interaction with real-world contexts and therefore is best understood in the natural environment . However, studying self-injury in people's daily lives can be challenging. To tackle this challenge, ISSS established a Consortium for Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life at the annual society meeting in 2019. We aim to build expertise and capacity to better understand, predict, and prevent key NSSI outcomes as they are experienced in individuals' everyday lives. Our group consists of graduate students, early-career, mid-career, and senior researchers committed to producing high-quality, ambitious, and scientifically rigorous work, which seeks to develop tangible benefits for people who self-injure. Making use of advances in real-time monitoring (also called experience sampling or ecological momentary assessment) and intensive longitudinal methods, we believe that research on NSSI in everyday life will advance more rapidly when all stakeholders' interests (i.e., individuals with lived experience, their families, researchers, and clinicians) are considered. NSSI is a behavior that occurs in interction with real-world context and therefore is best understood in the natural environment. To tackle this challenge, ISSS established a Consortium for Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life at the annual society meeting in 2019. Representative/s of Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life Glenn Kiekens | Brooke Ammerman glenn.kiekens@kuleuven.be | bammerm1@nd.edu

Self-Injury in Educational Settings Collaboration / Special Interest Groups / Self-Injury in Educational Settings Empowering Students and Educators ICSES is an interdisciplinary and international research group focused on prevention and intervention in educational settings. https://icsesgroup.org Our Mission Better understand the individual and contextual factors that underlie NSSI in educational settings to inform effective prevention and intervention. Develop and disseminate internationally relevant, evidence-based resources and guidance for students, educators, and families. Foster international and interdisciplinary collaborations to bring together expert knowledge, improving access to resources, support, and guidance. Discover More Adolescence and emerging adulthood are particularly turbulent periods of human development; understanding how NSSI is initiated and maintained, and how resilience is built throughout this period is crucial to the development of successful prevention and intervention initiatives. Yet, the high rate of NSSI among students in schools and colleges poses unique challenges within these educational settings. These include (but are not limited to): How to support students who self-injure, and the friends they confide in Information provision and gatekeeper training for staff, students, and parents Determining how staff in education settings, parents, and young people can work together to address NSSI in the educational environment Developing effective referral pathways Legal and ethical issues relating to confidentiality and duty of care How to talk safely about NSSI within educational settings How to minimize associated risk factors/consequences including deteriorating academic performance, being bullied, and poor social connectedness How to prevent NSSI and develop effective early intervention ICSES aims to tackle these challenges, and others related to the educational environment, through a dedicated, interdisciplinary and international research program. Representative/s of Self-Injury in Educational Settings Gabrielle Lucchese-Lavecchia | Isabelle Hau gabby0024@rogers.com | ihau@uoguelph.ca

Stigma, Recovery, and Lived Experience Collaboration / Special Interest Groups / Stigma, Recovery, and Lived Experience Advocates for Change The Lived Experience Stigma and Recovery Special Interest Group focuses on the lived experience of self-injury, paying particular attention to issues related to stigma and recovery. Our Mission Discover More Click here to view the NSSI "Wiki" page! Representative/s of Stigma, Recovery, and Lived Experience Stephen Lewis slewis03@uoguelph.ca

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. 2026 Rising Star TBD This year's ISSS Rising Star will be announced soon! NOMINATE A 2026 ISSS RISING STAR Rising Stars of ISSS 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.

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

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

About Self-Injury Resources /About Self-Injury Facts & figures, information & insights Non-suicidal 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. 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

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

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. Season 1 | Episode 4 Podcast/ Season 1 | Episode 4 Self-Injury Stigma and Language Jan 15, 2021 with Dr. Penelope Hasking Self-Injury Stigma and Language with Dr. Penelope Hasking 00:00 / 01:04 What are common ways we talk about self-injury or self-harm that may inadvertently perpetuate stigma about the behavior and those who engage in it? In this episode, Dr. Hasking offers a unique way of thinking about words like "contagious" and "recovery." She also provides insights into the pros and cons of including a Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder as a potential formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Learn more about self-injury and Dr. Hasking's work at Shedding Light on Self-Injury ( https://www.self-injury.org.au/ ). Below are links to some of her research referenced in this episode: Cutting words: A commentary on language and stigma in the context of nonsuicidal self-injury Self-injury recovery: A person-centered framework Stigma and nonsuicidal self-injury: Application of a conceptual framework Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). Previous Next

About Self-Injury Treatments for Self-Injury Resources / About Self-Injury / Treatments for Self-Injury "It must be person-centred" "Treatment" and "recovery" can mean different things to different people. In general, "treatment" refers to physical (e.g., wound care) and psychological (e.g., DBT) interventions that help people who are self-injuring. Generally, the goal of psychological treatments is to reduce NSSI by targeting the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that underlie an individual's self-injury. Until recently, few treatments were developed specifically for self-injury. Although there is currently no “gold-standard” treatment for self-injury, several treatments show promise in helping people decrease or stop these behaviors (Calvo et al., 2022; Turner et al., 2014), although the efficacy of treatments is still unclear (Fox et al., 2020). Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT is a psychotherapeutic treatment designed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), of which NSSI is a common behaviour (Linehan, 1993). It was modified by Miller et al. (2007) to reduce NSSI and suicidality among adolescents, and has shown efficacy to reduce NSSI in multiple studies (Fleischhaker et al., 2011; Pistorello et al., 2012, Stanley et al., 2007). DBT is an intensive treatment lasting 6 months to 2 years and involves weekly individual therapy, group-based skills training, and between-session coaching. DBT integrates behavioral strategies (e.g., behavior analysis, problem-solving strategies, skills training in emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, contingency management) with mindfulness (e.g., nonjudgmental, present-focused attention), and dialectical strategies (e.g., balancing acceptance and change) to reduce self-injury by: Improving emotion regulation Increasing behavioral control Strengthening positive identity Improving interpersonal skills It is important to note that some research shows that DBT is not superior to other treatments in reducing self-injury (e.g., Katz et al., 2004, Nock et al., 2007). Emotion Regulation Group Therapy (ERGT) ERGT was developed as an alternative to DBT, offering a briefer treatment period including 14 weeks of group-based psychotherapy. Unlike DBT, which is intended to treat NSSI in combination with other challenges facing people living with BPD, ERGT focuses solely on NSSI. It integrates components of DBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ERGT treats NSSI in several ways: Increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of emotions. By learning more about emotions and how to recognise them, individuals are better equipped to cope with emotional experiences. Improving emotional control and tolerance. Individuals learn how to better control the intensity and duration of their emotions, and develop greater tolerance of uncomfortable emotional experiences. Facilitating behavioral control. Individuals learn how to enact goal-directed behaviors and inhibit impulsive behaviors in response to negative emotions. ERGT was designed as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is best used in conjunction with, rather than instead of, other types of treatment (such as individual psychotherapy). Several well-designed studies have shown that ERGT is effective in reducing self-injury in adult women living with BPD. A recent feasibility study also suggests that ERGT may be effective in adolescent girls engaging in NSSI. Importantly, research on ERGT has been limited to studies on women; more research is needed to determine whether ERGT is equally effective for men. ERGT was also recently adapted to an individual setting for adolescents (ERIT-A; Bjureberg et al., 2017). An open trial investigating the online delivery of ERIT-A showed a reduction in NSSI, which was strengthened at 3-month follow up, and maintained at 6-month follow-up (Bjureberg et al., 2018). Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB) T-SIB is a brief, nine-session intervention conducted weekly on an individual basis (Andover et al., 2017). Designed for young adults engaging in NSSI, T-SIB uses motivational enhancement strategies, functional analysis, and skills training for problem-solving, distress tolerance, cognitive distortions, and interpersonal communication to address self-injury. An initial pilot study of T-SIB found decreased self-injury over the course of treatment; however, further research is needed to see if T-SIB will be effective in other groups of people and to compare T-SIB to other treatments that address self-injury. References Andover, M. S., Schatten, H. T., Morris, B. W., Holman, C. S., & Miller, I. W. (2017). An intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury in young adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 85 , 620–631. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000206 Bjureberg, J., Sahlin, H., Hellner, C., Hedman-Lagerlöf, E., Gratz, K. L., Bjärehed, J., Jokinen, J., Tull, M. T., & Ljótsson, B. (2017). Emotion regulation individual therapy for adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: A feasibility study. BMC Psychiatry , 17 , Article 411. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1527-4 Bjureberg, J., Sahlin, H., Hedman-Lagerlöf, E., Gratz, K. L., Tull, M. T., Jokinen, J., Hellner, C., & Ljótsson, B. (2018). Extending research on Emotion Regulation Individual Therapy for Adolescents (ERITA) with nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: Open pilot trial and mediation analysis of a novel online version. BMC Psychiatry , 18 , Article 326. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1885-6 Calvo, N., Sara García-González, S., Perez-Galbarro, C., Regales-Peco, C., Lugo-Marin, J., Ramos-Quiroga, J.- A., & Ferrer, M. (2022). Psychotherapeutic interventions specifically developed for NSSI in adolescence: A systematic review. European Neuropsychopharmacology , 58 , 86-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.02.009 Fleischhaker, C., Böhme, R., Sixt, B., Brück, C., Schneider, C., & Schulz, E. (2011). Dialectical behavioral therapy for adolescents (DBT-A): A clinical trial for patients with suicidal and self-injurious behavior and borderline symptoms with a one-year follow-up. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health , 5 , Article 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/1753-2000-5-3 Fox, K. R., Huang, X., Guzmán, E. M., Funsch, K. M., Cha, C. B., Ribeiro, J. D., & Franklin, J. C. (2020). Interventions for suicide and self-injury: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials across nearly 50 years of research. Psychological Bulletin , 146 , 1117-1145. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000305 Katz, L. Y., Cox, B. J., Gunasekara, S., & Miller, A. L. (2004). Feasibility of dialectical behavior therapy for suicidal adolescent inpatients. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , 43 , 276-282. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-200403000-00008 Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder . Guilford. Miller, A. L., Rathaus, J. H., & Linehan, M. M. (2007). Dialectical behavior therapy with suicidal adolescents . Guilford. Nock, M. K., Teper, R., & Hollander, M. (2007). Psychological treatment of self-injury among adolescents. Journal of Clinical Psychology , 63 , 1081-1089. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20415 Pistorello, J., Fruzzetti, A. E., MacLane, C., Gallop, R., & Iverson, K. M. (2012). Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) applied to college students: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 80 , 982–994. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029096 Stanley, B., Brodsky, B., Nelson, J. D., & Dulit, R. (2007). Brief dialectical behavior therapy (DBT-B) for suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury. Archives of Suicide Research , 11 , 337-341. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811110701542069 Turner, B. J., Austin, S. B., & Chapman, A. L. (2014). Treating nonsuicidal self-injury: A systematic review of psychological and pharmacological interventions. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry , 59 , 576-585. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F070674371405901103

Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life Collaboration / Special Interest Groups / Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life Advancing Tangible Benefits Latest Outputs Check out the latest outputs from the Research on Self-Injury in Daily Life SIG. Item Title Item Title Item Title Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text. Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text. Describe the item and include any relevant details. Click to edit the text. Output Type Title Authors Download Aunt Bette's Homemade Pecan Pie Rockin’ Rocky Road Ice Cream Tom’s Heavenly Apple Strudel Joe’s Divine Butter Tarts Join SIDL Join SIDL to connect with individuals passionate about improving the lives of individuals who have self-injured and their supporters. You'll gain access to members-only content, including xyz... Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!

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. Season 1 | Episode 10 Podcast/ Season 1 | Episode 10 Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB) Apr 9, 2021 with Dr. Peggy Andover Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB) with Dr. Peggy Andover 00:00 / 01:04 A lot of therapies address the context in which nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and self-harm may occur, but only a few treatments have been designed to address NSSI specifically. In this episode, we dive into one of these treatments: Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB). Dr. Peggy Andover, its lead developer, walks us through the 9 sessions of T-SIB, including the personalized modules of sessions 7 & 8. Learn more about Dr. Andover and her work in the Mood and Behaviors Lab at https://www.fordham.edu/info/23638/mood_and_behaviors_lab and reach her at andover@fordham.edu . Follow her on Twitter @DrPeggyAndover . Below are links to some of her research and the resources referenced in this episode: Moderators of treatment response to an intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury in young adults (2020) An intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury in young adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial (2017) Development of an intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury in young adults: An open pilot trial (2015) Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). Previous Next