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. Season 3 | Episode 39 Podcast/ Season 3 | Episode 39 Youth Crisis, Self-Harm, & Mental Health Language Jul 28, 2023 with Drs. Rachel Acheson & Maria Papadima Youth Crisis, Self-Harm, & Mental Health Language with Drs. Rachel Acheson & Maria Papadima 00:00 / 01:04 Amidst a global youth mental health crisis, is it possible that many young people are experiencing adolescent development challenges but are using mental health language to describe their distress? Even to the degree of experiencing crises that include self-harm like nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidal thoughts and behaviors? In this episode, Drs. Maria Papadima and Rachel Acheson share observations from their clinical work with youth, consider trends such as self-diagnosing through TikTok and Instagram, discuss how they walk parents and youth through these mental health crises, and offer a psychoanalytic perspective of current trends. Learn more about Dr. Papadima and her work at www.mariapapadima.com , and read her blog about "Self-diagnosis via TikTok" here . Below is the reference and link to their paper discussed in this episode: Acheson, R., & Papadima, M. (2023). The search for identity: Working therapeutically with adolescents in crisis . Journal of Child Psychotherapy, 49 (1), 95-119. Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated #1 by Feedspot in their list of " 10 Best Self Harm Podcasts " and #5 in their " 20 Best Clinical Psychology Podcasts ." It has also been featured in Audible's " Best Mental Health Podcasts to Defy Stigma and Begin to Heal ." Previous Next

Collaborative Research Program Home / Collaborative Research Program / 2024 Current Projects The 2024-25 cycle of the ISSS Collaborative Research Program (CRP) is now open for applicants! The ISSS CRP provides an opportunity for doctoral students and early career researchers (less than 5 years post PhD) to work with a leading NSSI researcher, who is not their supervisor, on a dedicated research project. Available CRP opportunities are listed below. Apply Now Proximal mechanisms of NSSI predicting suicide thoughts and behaviors Mentored by: Jennifer Muehlenkamp Read More NSSI and other life-threatening behaviours among adolescents in China Mentored by: Moye Xin Read More Validation of a novel Future Imagery Scale and exploration in a sample of YP with and without NSSI Mentored by: Martina Di Simplicio Read More Characteristics of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder in youth and psychometric evaluation of the Clinician-Administered Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder Index Mentored by: Johan Bjureberg Read More Using real-time monitoring to study social interactions and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) cognitions and behaviors among individuals seeking care Mentored by: Glenn Kiekens and Laurence Claes Read More

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

Online 2021 Conferences / 16th Annual Conference | Online 23rd - 25th June, 2021 In 2021, we hosted our 16th Annual International Conference online. Conference Schedule Information for Presenters Details Register for the conference Additional registration information NOTE: If you are from a low or low-middle income nation , please email ISSS2026@akademikonferens.se for a 20% discount. In 2021, we hosted our 16th Annual International Conference online. Over three days we hosted a range of live and pre-recorded material, including Keynote addresses by Prof. Jennifer Muehlenkamp and Dr. Barent Walsh, an ISSS Rising Star Address from Dr. Sarah Victor, the first Collaborative Research Program Symposium, and a Lived Experience Roundtable discussion. Program ISSS 2021 Conference Program .pdf Download PDF • 13.22MB Abstract Book ISSS 2021 Conference Abstract Book .pdf Download PDF • 1.11MB Presentation Slides Members-only Content Presentation Videos Conference Content

16th Annual International Conference | 2021 | Online | June 23rd - 25th June Program Download the Abstract Book View all conference content here In 2021, we held our ISSS Conference online. Over 3 days we hosted a range of live and pre-recorded material, including: keynote addresses by our Inaugural Invited Fellows, Prof. Jennifer Muehlenkamp and Dr. Barent Walsh keynote address from our 2021 Rising Star, Dr. Sarah Victor a symposium from students and early career researchers in our Collaborative Research Program a roundtable discussion with individuals with lived experience of NSSI networking opportunities to connect people across the globe

Home / Awards / Invited Fellow / Dr. Paul L. Plener Dr. Paul L. Plener Previous Dr. Paul L. Plener is a Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Head of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical University of Vienna (Austria). His internationally recognized research examines self-injury, suicide prevention, and adolescent mental health services, combining rigorous empirical study with a deep concern for clinical relevance. Dr. Plener has been instrumental in advancing knowledge about the developmental pathways of self-injury and improving access to evidence-based care for young people across Europe. He is known for his collaborative spirit, global leadership in mental health research, and his commitment to ensuring that scientific insights translate into real-world healing and prevention. Next ISSS Fellow | 2022

2023 - 2024 Home / Collaborative Research Program / CANDI Validation in Youth Characteristics of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder in youth and psychometric evaluation of the Clinician-Administered Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder Index Mentor/s: Johan Bjureberg 2024 - 2025 Project Overview Affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Sweden Project description: Although NSSI usually debuts in adolescence, few studies have examined the full set of DSM-5 NSSID diagnostic criteria in youth. In this study, we will analyze the reliability and validity of the structured diagnostic interview Clinician-Administered NSSI Disorder Index (CANDI) and provide information on the clinical characteristics and features of DSM-5 NSSID in youth. Data on the internal consistency, factor structure, and construct validity of the CANDI and associated characteristics of NSSID will be analyzed in a clinical sample of youth (N = 166; (mean [SD] age, 15.0 [1.2] years; 154 [92.8%] female) with recent recurrent NSSI (≥5 days with NSSI the past year and ≥1 episode in the month). Participants and their caregivers completed self-report measures of NSSI characteristics, psychopathology, and emotion dysregulation, and clinicians assess diagnostic interviews of borderline personality disorder (SCID–II), common mental disorders (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), global functioning, and clinical severity. Applicants should have the following skills: Interest in psychometric evaluations and experience conducting literature search Junior research responsibilities: Conducting literature search, drafting the manuscript, and assist in data analysis Anticipated outcome(s) for junior researcher: Co-authorship on an academic peer-reviewed paper Time commitment: Approximately 1 day per week for 6 months Application Deadline: June 1, 2024 Apply Now

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). Season 3 | Episode 41 Podcast/ Season 3 | Episode 41 Self-Injury in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Sep 29, 2023 with Caroline Roberts Self-Injury in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with Caroline Roberts 00:00 / 01:04 Up to 1 in 5 (20%) individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and about 3 in 7 (42%) individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in self-injurious behavior (SIB). Common forms of SIB include repetitive head banging, head-hitting, self-biting, self-hitting, eye-poking, skin-picking, and trichotillomania (hair pulling), among other forms of self-harm. In this episode, Caroline Roberts from the University of Minnesota and Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain discusses the differences and similarities between SIB and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and how we can bridge the gap between NSSI research and clinical practice, and SIB among those with IDD. She also shares 4 key topics from her interviews with experts in SIB and NSSI: (1) case ascertainment, (2) perceptions of causal variables, (3) pathways to treatment, and (4) treatment goals and outcomes. Learn more about the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain and their interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and improving SIB workgroup here . Follow Caroline on Twitter/X at @clrobz . Below are one of her papers and other research referenced in today's episode: Roberts, C. L., Avina, A. H., & Symons, F. J. (2023). A qualitative analysis of family caregiver experiences accessing treatment for self-injurious behavior in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities . Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities . Dimian, A. F., & Symons, F. J. (2022). A systematic review of risk for the development and persistence of self-injurious behavior in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clinical Psychology Review, 94 , 102158. Steenfeldt-Kristensen, C., Jones, C. A., & Richards, C. (2020). The prevalence of self-injurious behaviour in autism: A meta-analytic study . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50 (11), 3857-3873. Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter/X (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter/X (@ITripleS). The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated #1 by Feedspot in their list of " 10 Best Self Harm Podcasts " and #5 in their " 20 Best Clinical Psychology Podcasts ." It has also been featured in Audible's " Best Mental Health Podcasts to Defy Stigma and Begin to Heal ." Previous Next

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. Season 1 | Episode 11 Podcast/ Season 1 | Episode 11 Monitoring Self-Injury in Real Time Apr 23, 2021 with Dr. Glenn Kiekens Monitoring Self-Injury in Real Time with Dr. Glenn Kiekens 00:00 / 01:04 How do we assess self-injury differently than 20-30 years ago? Rather than asking someone to remember how they were thinking and feeling when they last self-injured days, weeks, and even months ago, advances in technology allow researchers and clinicians to monitor self-injury and self-harm in real time, as it occurs. In this episode, Dr. Glenn Kiekens discusses the advantages of adapting real-time monitoring (also known as experience sampling or ecological momentary assessment [EMA]) in researching nonsuicidal self-injury as well as the ethical concerns to consider when doing research in real time. Learn more about Dr. Kiekens and his work in the Center for Contextual Psychiatry at KU Leuven by clicking here . Follow Dr. Kiekens on Twitter @GKiekens . Below are links to some of his research and the resources referenced in this episode: Opening the black box of daily life in non-suicidal self-injury research: With great opportunity comes great responsibility (preprint available at https://psyarxiv.com/yp86x ) Fluctuations in affective states and self-efficacy to resist non-suicidal self-injury as real-time predictors of non-suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (2020) Consensus statement on ethical & safety practices for conducting digital monitoring studies with people at risk of suicide and related behaviors (Nock et al., 2020) Revealing the form and function of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors: A real-time ecological assessment study among adolescents and young adults (Nock, Prinstein, & Sterba, 2009) Changes in ecological momentary assessment reported affect associated with episodes of nonsuicidal self-Injury (Armey, Crowther, & Miller, 2011) Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). Previous Next

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. Season 1 | Episode 14 Podcast/ Season 1 | Episode 14 Managing Self-Injury in Inpatient Settings Jun 4, 2021 with Dr. Jason Washburn Managing Self-Injury in Inpatient Settings with Dr. Jason Washburn 00:00 / 01:04 When is it appropriate for someone who engages in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) to be admitted to an acute psychiatric inpatient program? And how realistic is it to expect no self-injury or self-harm to occur at all while in the hospital? How should hospital staff respond and intervene when someone engages in self-injury while on an inpatient unit? In this episode, Dr. Jason Washburn addresses these questions and discusses how hospital staff can foster empathy and compassion for individuals who self-injure while respecting their autonomy and also keeping them safe. Learn more about Dr. Washburn and his work here . Below are links to some of his work, including his books as editor and new research. To learn more about AMITA Health and its treatment for self-injury, click here . Washburn, J. J. (2014). Self-injury: Simple answers to complex questions . Hoffman Estates, IL: Alexian Brothers Press. Washburn, J. J. (2019). Nonsuicidal self-injury: Advances in research and practice . New York: Routledge. Slesinger, N. C., Hayes, N. A., & Washburn, J. J. (2021). Understanding predictors of change in a day treatment setting for non-suicidal self-injury . Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 94 , 517–535. Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated #5 by Feedspot in their " Top 15 Clinical Psychology Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021 " and by Welp Magazine in their " 20 Best Injury Podcasts of 2021 ." Previous Next

Marc Wilson, PhD, from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand shares about cross-cultural representations of self-injury and self-harm. Season 2 | Episode 24 Podcast/ Season 2 | Episode 24 Self-Harm Across Cultures, with Dr. Marc Wilson Apr 29, 2022 with Dr. Marc Wilson Self-Harm Across Cultures, with Dr. Marc Wilson with Dr. Marc Wilson 00:00 / 01:04 Are there countries, races, or ethnicities with higher or lower rates of self-injury? How prevalent is NSSI among indigenous peoples, and what role does culture play in the form, function, and meaning of self-injury? In this episode, Dr. Marc Wilson from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington in Aotearoa New Zealand shares about cross-cultural representations of self-injury and self-harm. Learn more about Dr. Wilson and his work at https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/Marc.Wilson . Below are links to some of the research referenced in this episode: Sansone, R. A., Wiederman, M. W., & Sansone, L.A. (1998). The Self-Harm Inventory (SHI): development of a scale for identifying self-destructive behaviors and borderline personality disorder . Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54 (7), 973–983. Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2010). Measuring self-harm behavior with the Self-Harm Inventory . Psychiatry (Edgmont), 7 (4), 16-20. Gratz, K. L. (2001). Measurement of deliberate self-harm: Preliminary data on the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory . Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 23 (4), 253-263. Monto, M. A., McRee, N., & Deryck, F. S. (2018). Nonsuicidal self-injury among a representative sample of US adolescents, 2015 . American Journal of Public Health, 108 , 1042-1048. Favazza, A. R. (2011). Bodies under siege: Self-mutilation, nonsuicidal self-injury, and body modification in culture and psychiatry (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. Wilson, M. S. (in press). Cross-cultural representations of nonsuicidal self-injury. In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. Whitlock (Eds.), The handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury . Oxford University Press. Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated #5 by Feedspot in their " Best 20 Clinical Psychology Podcasts " and by Welp Magazine in their " 20 Best Injury Podcasts ." Previous Next

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